Sri Lanka to Host Seven Large Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses – First Time In-Person Since 2019
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been holding public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world for more than 100 years. This tradition was interrupted in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when the organization shifted all their in-person events to video-conferencing. After resuming smaller in-person meetings and their public ministry during 2022, this year marks the first time they will gather at much larger regional events around the world.
Some 6,000 conventions will be held worldwide as part of the 2023 “Exercise Patience”! Convention series. In Sri Lanka, seven conventions will be held. From Friday through Sunday, six convention sessions will explore the quality of patience, highlighting its modern-day relevance through Scriptural examples. A live baptism will be performed following the Saturday morning session and a prerecorded drama will be featured in two parts during the Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.
“As much as we loved the convenience and quality of our virtual conventions, nothing can replace being together in a large group setting,” said Naleen Wanigasekara, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “While our online conventions reached millions around the world and kept our communities safe, we long to get back to our joyful fellowship at these large gatherings.”
In Sri Lanka, we will be hosting the conventions during the months of July and August:
Venue Location Date Language
Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium 14-16 July Sinhala
Clover Banquet Hall – Kelaniya 28-30 July Tamil
North Shore Auditorium – Mattakuliya 21-23 July English
Green valley Hotel 4-6 August Sinhala
Chilaw Far Inn 11-13 August Sinhala
Rajeswary Hall – Thellipalai 18-20 August Tamil
Rajeswary Hall – Thellipalai 22-24 September Tamil
The convention is open to the public and no collection is taken. For more information on the program or to find other convention locations and dates, please go to jw.org and navigate to the “About Us” tab.