Aloysius Pieris

Aloysius Pieris, born on the first day of January 1935 and who left us peacefully on the twenty-second of March 2026, was a remarkable man whose life was a testament to deep faith, boundless curiosity, and a profound love for dialogue. To know him was to encounter a gentle giant of intellect and spirit. He carried the warmth of Sri Lanka in his heart, a man whose quiet smile could light up a room and whose eyes sparkled with the joy of discovery. He wasn't just a priest or a scholar; he was our beloved Aloysius, Papa, Uncle Aloysius – a man who lived with an infectious enthusiasm for understanding the world and the people in it. His greatest passion, the fire that fueled his entire being, was fostering encounter and dialogue. As the founding director of the Tulana Research Centre for Encounter and Dialogue, he dedicated his life to bridging divides. He believed deeply that understanding, not confrontation, was the path to peace. He would spend hours, his voice soft but intense, discussing theology, philosophy, and the rich tapestry of Buddhist thought with anyone willing to listen. He found joy in the simple act of conversation, the shared meal, the exchange of ideas. His home was always open, a sanctuary for students, colleagues, and anyone seeking wisdom or simply a listening ear. He had a gardener's patience and a scholar's depth, nurturing both plants and minds with equal care. He was a devoted family man, a pillar of strength