Colombo, Nov. 13 (Daily Mirror) – Sri Lanka has extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to undertake an official visit to the country, reaffirming the deepening friendship between Sri Lanka and the Holy See as both nations mark 50 years of diplomatic relations, the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Ministry said.
They said the invitation was conveyed during the official visit of His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, who concluded a five-day visit to Sri Lanka on November 8.
Archbishop Gallagher’s visit underscored the growing cooperation between the two states and highlighted shared values of peace, reconciliation, and interfaith harmony.
During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with discussions centering on strengthening bilateral ties. Both leaders expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s support to Sri Lanka, particularly in education and social development, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing reconciliation through inclusivity, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
Archbishop Gallagher commended Sri Lanka’s progress in reconciliation and assured the continued solidarity of the Holy See with the people of Sri Lanka.
He also held bilateral discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, focusing on ongoing cooperation in humanitarian initiatives through Caritas Sri Lanka–SEDEC, and efforts to foster interfaith harmony in the country’s multiethnic and multireligious society. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint collaboration in combating drug trafficking, terrorism, and extremism, while exploring new avenues of partnership in areas such as environmental sustainability and social justice.
A joint media briefing by the two Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting human dignity, peace, and global cooperation.
As part of his visit, Archbishop Gallagher delivered a public lecture at the Galle Face Hotel on November 4, titled “Working Together for Dialogue and Peace: The Perspective and Commitment of the Holy See,” marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican. The event, attended by dignitaries and clergy, also featured remarks by Minister of Science and Technology Chryshantha Abeysena, who expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the Vatican’s long-standing support for peace and religious coexistence.
Archbishop Gallagher’s engagements during his visit further strengthened Sri Lanka–Holy See relations, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration in peacebuilding, education, and the promotion of religious freedom.
