The first priest and former vicar-general of the Anuradhapura Diocese, Rev. Fr. Andrew Anthony, passed away on the 27th of February 2024.
He belongs to the Illavalai St. James Church and received his primary and secondary education at Illavalai Holy Family Convent, Illavalai R.C.T.M School, and St. Henry’s College, Illavalai.
After completing his school studies, he pursued his priestly education at the National Seminary, Ampitiya, and was ordained as the first priest of the Anuradhapura Diocese by Rt. Rev. Dr. Joy Gunawardhana in 1984.
During his tenure, he served in the parishes of Polonnaruwa, Hingurak-goda, Madavachchi, Anuradhapura Cathedral and the Kala Oya Pilgrimage Centre. He also served as the Director of the Catechetical Centre, the Social Communications Centre, and the Family Resource Centre of the Anuradhapura Diocese, and later functioned as the Vicar-General.