Irish
Freemasonry in Sri Lanka dates back to 1861. Sphinx was
the first Irish Lodge to be established in Sri Lanka, warranted
in 1861, and later three other Lodges were also warranted
viz, Dimbula Lodge (1874), Leinster Lodge (1886), and Serendib
Lodge (1990). These four Lodges derive their warrant from
the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The said Grand Lodge at present
assigns Sri Lanka with the Provincial Grand Lodge status.
The Grand
Lodge of Ireland has approved to elevate this status by
the Constitution of a Province in Sri Lanka. The ceremony
to mark this occasion was held on the 16th June 2006 at
the Victoria Masonic Temple, Colombo 3. Right Worshipful
Brother Colonel Lau Kee Siong, Grand Inspector for South-East
Asia was nominated by the Grand Lodge of Ireland to be the
Presiding Officer, who conducted the ceremony with a team
of Officers from Singapore. The Ceremony of the Constitution
was followed by a Banquet at the Crystal Room at Hotel Taj
Samudra, Colombo.
The Constitution
of the Province in Sri Lanka was an epoch making day in
the history of Irish Freemasonry in Sri Lanka. The incumbent
Grand Inspector Right Worshipful Brother Colonel R. Harindran
is the first Provincial Grand Master to be appointed to
this high office.
Right
Worshipful Brother Chandranath Mohan Wanigatunga was installed
as the 2nd Provincial Grand Master by Right Worshipful Brother
Colonel Ramalingam Harindran at the special communication
being held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Provincial
Grand Lodge of Sri Lanka. The historic celebration of this
milestone was held on 25th June 2016 at Victoria Masonic
Temple followed by a banquet at Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo.
Charity is the hallmark of Freemasonry, and Irish Freemasons
have been engaged on many projects of charity throughout
the island. Schools, hospitals, day care centres have received
donations, whilst public infrastructure projects such as
bridges and roads in rural areas, have been funded by Irish
Masons. With the Constitution of the Province, Irish Freemasons
feel strengthened to do more for the needy in Sri Lanka.