Bishop of Kandy
Warnakulsurya Wadumestrige Devasritha Valence Mendis was born on May 21, 1958, in Koralawella, Moratuwa, in the Archdiocese of Colombo. He pursued his studies both in his home country and in Rome, obtaining a degree in Philosophy from the Urbaniana University. He was ordained a priest on July 20, 1985. He served for four years as a fidei donum priest in the Diocese of Kandy; during this time, he earned a Master's degree in Comparative Religion from a local university. Since 1989, he has been a member of the staff at the National Seminary in Kandy. He has served as Dean of Philosophy, Director of the new Philosophy Department, and Rector of the Seminary. He is also the Secretary of the Episcopal Conference's Commission for Interreligious Dialogue.