Benedict XVI Cultural Institute declared open
On 27th December 2015, the Benedict XVI Cultural Institute (BCI) was declared open by His Excellency President Sirisena with the presence of His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Bagnasco, the Archbishop of Genoa and President of Italian Bishops (CEI) who funded the project.
Hon. Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Karu Jayasuriya, Former Defence Secretary Dr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Msgr. Neville Joe Perera were present too for this occasion.
Cardinal Bagnasco was accompigned by Very Rev. Fr. Leonardo Di Mauro, Chairman of CEI's committee for charitable interventions in third world countries.
Since 1948 the institution served as the Catholic Teachers' Training College.
Then in 1961 the government took in charge of the institute and thereafter in 1990 the institution was closed down. Again in 2003 institute was handed over to Catholic Church.
In 2013 the Institute was named as the Benedict XVI Cultural Institute by Card. Ranjith. His Holiness Pope Francis blessed the institution and the chapel on 15th January 2015.
Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando, former Secretary to Cardinal has been appointed as First Rector of the Univeristy.