Today 8 September marks the Feast Day of the Birth of Mother Mary, a very significant day for the Diocese of Batticaloa. The Solemn opening of the Institute took place at 9.00 am. Under the Patronage of His Lordship the Bishop Most Rev.Dr.Joseph Ponniah. Rev.Fr.George Jeevaraj, the first Director, initiated the entire programme. Priests, Religious, High Rank Army Officers, University lecturers, Government Officials and students of the Institute were present. Very Rev.Dr.Daya Shelton Welikadaarachci, the Director of St.Joseph Vaz Devadharma Nikethanaya, Archdiocese of Colombo, was the Chief Guest of the day's events. The events were, Ceremonial opening of the building and library and awarding of certificates to the students who completed the first short course successfully. There are 170 students of the Institute who be enrolled for the first year of the Four Years Degree Course, scheduled to commence in January 2019. The Director records his sincere thanks on behalf of the Bishop and the students, to all those who were instrumental for the successful completion of the event. May St.Joseph Vaz the Patron and Mother Mary, seat of wisdom intercede for all of us.