Edwin Savundra

Rev. Father Edwin Savundra (October 12, 1946 – January 13, 2023) was a Sri Lankan Catholic priest known for his contributions. He founded the English Language Campus, a project dedicated to enhancing English education in the remote villages of Vanni and Mannar, Sri Lanka. Beyond his pastoral role, he also expressed his ideas through several authored books, including the philosophy work titled "The Philosophy of Form and the Human Person". Subsequently, he pursued further studies at St. Patrick's College, Jaffna, he was ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral, Jaffna by His Lordship Bishop Leo Rajendram Antony, alongside Rev. Fr. T. E. Thevarajan and Rev. Fr. J. Nicholas.

His initial assignment was at Saint Theresa's Church in Kilinochchi. He chose Papua New Guinea, described as a poor and mission country, and served as a professor of Philosophy from 1997 to 1998 at the Good Shepherd College, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands Province. He had the opportunity to teach at the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) from 1999 to 2001, and he also conducted classes in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania, and at the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Drawing from his extensive teaching experience, he authored a philosophy book titled "The Philosophy of Form and the Human Person", as Parish Administrator (2001–2009) at Nativity Catholic Church in Cleveland, Minnesota, situated about 70 miles southwest of the Twin Cities and five miles north of Marysburg, Minnesota. Later, from 2010 to 2012, he served as the Parish Administrator at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City, Minnesota. Fr. Edwin Savundra took sick leave in 2012 and officially retired on June 15, 2013. fundraising initiatives, notably following the Boxing Day tsunami in the USA. Some of his notable initiatives since becoming a priest include: Establishing a Youth Farm at Kunchchukulam. Implementing the Fr. Bastian Educational Assistance Scheme. Implementing the Fr. Abraham's Educational Assistance Scheme. Establishing an English Language Campus and an English Library at Viswamadhu. the former Rector of St. Patrick's College, Jaffna.

In remembrance of these brave individuals, a shrine has been established at the English Language Campus, known as the 'Beauties of Meadows'.

On June 6, 2013, the "English Language Campus" The new site in Punnaineeravi offers abundant water resources and ample space for the development of the campus. Additionally, the campus acquired an additional three acres of land, enabling the construction of a dedicated playground for the students attending the English Language Campus. Prayer vigils were held in Visuvamadu, Sri Lanka, his home country, where he had touched the lives of numerous individuals. Additionally, visitation and a mass took place in Toronto, Canada, attended by his family, friends, and former students, some of whom are now priests. The funeral mass was held at the Church of the Nativity in Cleveland, Minnesota, officiated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Bernard Hebda, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, followed by burial at Marysburg Cemetery, in accordance with Fr. Edwin Savundra's wish, on January 26, 2023. The Requiem Mass was also held in Sri Lanka.

Publications

Structures to Behold – Doctoral Thesis A War Diary from Jaffna – An Eye Witness Antha Irul Padintha Nadkal – (War Diary in Tamil) Philosophy of Form and the Human Person – Anthropological Expose for tertiary institution