On July 22, the Ceylon Mission held a dedication and thanksgiving service at its new headquarters in Negombo, with officers of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division in attendance. The service marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Mission’s ministry.
The relocation represents much more than a change of address. The Ceylon Mission moved forward with this initiative as part of its vision to go beyond an administration-centered role and become a mission support center that actively serves local churches and institutions while training pastors and lay leaders.
The new headquarters is located closer to many churches, members, and institutions. This strategic location will enable departmental directors and staff to visit the field more easily and respond more quickly to the needs of churches and institutions. It will also provide a stronger base for conducting meetings, leadership development programs, and various training activities.
Two large Adventist schools are also located near the new headquarters. This will provide practical educational support for the children of departmental directors and employees serving at the Mission. A stable educational environment for their children will help workers focus more fully on their ministries and serve the church over the long term.
The relocation also serves as a preparatory step toward making greater missional use of the former Mission headquarters property, which is located in central Colombo. The Ceylon Mission is exploring ways to develop this valuable property from a long-term perspective so that it may contribute more effectively to the church’s mission and financial sustainability.
The land and building for the new Negombo headquarters were purchased at a relatively affordable price through the generous consideration of the previous owner. The Ceylon Mission expressed gratitude for God’s guidance throughout the process and hopes that the new headquarters will become a place from which churches and institutions can be served more closely and effectively.
With the assistance of a Korean donor, the Mission is also considering the purchase of additional land adjacent to the new headquarters. Professional legal advice is currently being sought to review the requirements and procedures related to the proposed purchase. If the additional land is secured, it could provide space for future offices, education and training programs, and other mission-related activities.
The dedication service was more than a celebration of moving into a new building. It was also a time for the Ceylon Mission to renew its commitment to serve churches and institutions more closely and to prepare for a new phase of mission advancement throughout Sri Lanka.
The Ceylon Mission hopes that its new headquarters in Negombo will develop into more than an administrative office. It is envisioned as a mission center that will train pastors and lay leaders, connect churches and institutions, and support the advancement of the gospel across Sri Lanka.