The BCI Campus, unveiled a new state-of-the-art ‘Christ the King (CTK)’ building, which is ‘Redefining Higher Education’, in Negombo recently with an aim to ‘Transform Education, and Shape Futures’, marking a significant milestone in academic excellence.

The inauguration ceremony of the new facility of the BCI Campus, also recognized as the Benedict XVI International Institute of Higher Education, was graced by the Chief Guest, Most Rev Dr J D Anthony, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, who represents His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo and Founder of BCI.

In attendance were distinguished guests including, Dr Sandro Veronesi, Chairman of the Calzedonia Group, the Principal Sponsor of the BCI Main Academic Building, and his delegation, Rev Msgr Nevillejoe Perera, National Coordinator for Sri Lankan Immigrants in Italy, Members of the Governing Council and Academic Senate of BCI, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva, Commander Western Naval Area and Rear Admiral Hiran Balasuriya, Director General, Civil Engineering from Sri Lanka Navy, Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman Board of Investors of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Udith Jayasinghe-Mudalige, Vice-Chancellor of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Principals of the surrounding schools, Officials from the Ministry of Education, Members of the Academic and Non-Academic staff of BCI and Representatives of BCI student body.

The CTK building is an eco-friendly complex equipped with state-of-the-art digital technology. The purpose-built seven-story academic facility comprises 16 Lecture Halls, including seating for 940 students, eight (08) Discussion Rooms accommodating 316 chairs, a 250-seat Mini-auditorium and 45-seat Conference Halls. It is also furnished with a 8592 sqft office area for academic administration.

The new facility stands as a testament to BCI’s commitment to providing the best educational facilities for students. The purpose-built complex comprises a host of modern facilities to the campus, elevating the learning experience. The facility also enables BCI to expand total seating capacity to accommodate over 2500, cementing its position as the largest private higher education Institute in the region.

The inauguration of the new facility marks a milestone in providing Sri Lankan students with an exceptional international standard of education, right at their doorstep, within a highly conducive environment for learning. The CTK building symbolizes BCI’s dedication to creating a sustainable and innovative educational ecosystem.

Rev Fr Quintus Fernando, Rector/Vice Chancellor BCI, welcoming guests said, BCI has a very unique privilege that only a few Institutes of Higher Education in the world can boast of. That is to be blessed by a Pope at its inauguration. BCI is also one of the few Institutes in the world and, perhaps, the only one in Asia, named after late Pope Benedict XVI, one of the greatest intellectuals of our times, who inspired and encouraged His Eminence to establish this Institute in Sri Lanka.”

Rev. Quintus added, “Given the unprecedented situation of the country, the successful completion of the BCI Main Academic Building is a rare miracle. The Holy Bible says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). The Lord did want to build this academic facility for His children, and He did send His People to achieve the task.”

The BCI Campus is a renowned private degree awarding institute, with recognition from both the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka. BCI offers a diverse range of in-demand degree programs through the Schools of Business, Computing, and Education, as well as the Academy of Music & Art. Students at BCI experience a holistic learning journey, supported by top-notch facilities and faculty.

During the event a felicitation message of His Eminence was read out. It noted, “The Catholic Church affirms the inalienable right of every human being to education and acknowledges that ‘she has a role in the progress and development of education’ (Gravissimum Educationis). Responding to this specific call, the Benedict XVI Catholic International Institute of Higher Education was founded with the lofty purpose of serving the youth in their higher educational needs. BCI was founded in 2015 and has experienced rapid growth, emerging as the largest and most modern higher education facility. Marking a major milestone in the short history of BCI, it was awarded with the Degree Awarding Status by the Ministry of Education in 2020. This building was designed to integrate educational technologies required by 21st century learning environments, as our idea is to provide a world-class education to our students. I invite the students who will be using this new facility to be equipped with knowledge and skills, and most of all to acquire virtues and values to become upright and responsible citizens that our society so desperately needs.”

BCI Campus takes pride in its commitment to nurturing well-rounded, accomplished global citizens. Through a blend of academic excellence and co-curricular and extracurricular activities, the institution prepares students to make meaningful contributions to society.

The Campus offers students an extensive in-house library, sophisticated computer center, organizes seminars, workshops and cultural events to enhance students’ engagement, and a welcoming cafeteria.

As the newest landmark on the BCI Campus, the CTK building symbolizes the institute’s dedication to empowering students with the tools they need realize their true potential and become well-rounded, and accomplished global citizens.