Assemblies of God Bible College

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The Assemblies of God Bible College was founded in the Southern city of Galle in the early 1930’s under the leadership of Rev and Mrs. Carl Graves, a missionary couple whose vision was to train and equip men and women for Christian ministry.

Ceylon Bible Institute as it was then called, later moved to Melbourne Avenue, Bambalapitiya. A three-year course leading to a Diploma in Theology was offered to students completing their course, of studies. Since there were no facilities for Ministers of the Assemblies of God of India to obtain theological training in their own country at that time, students from India were also enrolled at the Ceylon Bible Institute

In the early 1950’s the Ceylon Bible Institute moved to its own premises in Mount-Lavinia. With the exodus of Assemblies of God missionaries the medium of instruction was changed to Sinhala. After sometime a lack of qualified teachers and inadequate finances led to the closure of the Institute.

However, due to the vision and sacrifices of Rev. Colton Wickramaratne and Rev. and Mrs. Elphege Fernando, the Ceylon Bible Institute was re-opened in 1971 in Mount Lavinia, offering a Diploma in Theology in English.

Since the facilities that were available were extremely limited and as there was a definite need for a new campus, an ideally located property was purchased in Ja-Ela, (located in close proximity of the Colombo Airport) and buildings constructed with the support of caring friends from overseas.

Today, the Campus of the Assemblies of God Bible College comprises a beautiful Chapel, an Administrative Office Block, Spacious Class Rooms, a large Dining Hall, and Dormitories for men and women students and Faculty Quarters. The present facilities are being constantly improved and extended to meet the growing intake of students. In March 2003 a new dormitory facility for Ladies and visiting faculty quarters were dedicated to the Glory of God. In addition more property adjoining the college was purchased with plans for further extension.