The Methodist Trust Association (MTA) is the legal trustee of the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka. Established under the Methodist Trust Association of Ceylon Ordinance No. 54 of 1935, as subsequently amended, the Association provides the legal framework for the ownership, protection, and administration of the Church’s assets throughout the country. It serves as a vital institution that supports the mission of the Church by ensuring that its resources are responsibly managed for present and future generations.
The Methodist Church has been entrusted with churches, schools, manses, institutions, lands,endowments, and other assets built up through the faithful stewardship and generosity of many generations. The Methodist Trust Association exists to safeguard this heritage while ensuring that these resources continue to serve the mission and ministry of the Church across Sri Lanka.
Our Purpose
The Methodist Trust Association exists to provide responsible stewardship of the Church’s movable and immovable assets. By ensuring sound governance, legal compliance, and prudent management, the Association enables the Church to carry out its calling in worship, discipleship, education, social responsibility, evangelism, and community service.
The Association works closely with the Methodist Conference, Church leadership, Districts, Circuits, and local congregations to ensure that Church property is managed with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Our Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Methodist Trust Association include:
- Holding Church property in trust on behalf of the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka.
- Protecting and preserving the legal ownership of churches, institutions, lands, manses, and other Church assets.
- Facilitating the acquisition, transfer, leasing, development, and disposal of Church property in accordance with Conference decisions and applicable laws.
- Administering trusts, endowments, gifts, legacies, and bequests made to the Church.
- Providing guidance on legal and property-related matters affecting Circuits, congregations, and Church institutions.
- Ensuring that the Church’s resources are managed responsibly and sustainably for future generations.
Stewardship with Purpose
The Methodist Church understands stewardship as a sacred responsibility. Every property, building, and resource entrusted to the Church exists to support God’s mission and the ministry of His people.
The Methodist Trust Association therefore seeks not merely to manage assets, but to ensure that they continue to serve the wider work of the Church—providing places for worship, education, fellowship, ministry, and service to communities throughout Sri Lanka.
By balancing the preservation of the Church’s heritage with responsible planning for the future,the Association helps create a strong foundation for the continued growth and witness of the Methodist Church.
Stewardship with Purpose
The Methodist Trust Association functions under the authority of the Methodist Conference, the supreme governing body of the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka. Members of the Association are appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance and are entrusted with carrying out their responsibilities in the best interests of the Church. The Association is accountable to the Conference and operates within the policies, governance structures, and legal framework of the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka.
Contact Information
METHODIST TRUST ASSOCIATION
SECRETARY – MR. HARISHKA SAMARANAYAKE
Email -mta.secretary@methodistsrilanka.org