The Holy Father (Pope) has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Kandy which was represented by Bishop Joseph Vianney Fernando. Speaking exclusively to The Morning, Vicar General of the Kandy Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka today (09) confirmed that the resignation letter was applied for five years ago. "Bishop Vianney had asked for his resignation over five years ago. Bishop Vianney is very old now, he is over 85 years old and it was high time he retires. He has served well," stated Fr Milroy Fonseka. The Holy Father has appointed Bishop of the same Diocese, H.E. Mgr Warnakulasurya Wadumestrige Devsritha Valence Mendis who is currently serving as the Bishop of Chilaw also as the Bishop of Kandy.