Visiting Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, has revealed that he and His Holiness the Pope admire the progress Sri Lanka has made, particularly in advancing peace and unity among all ethnic and religious communities. 

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher further said that, based on this progress, Pope Leo XIV may consider a visit to Sri Lanka in the near future.

The Archbishop also commended the President’s leadership in restoring economic and political stability in the country, and reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ethnic and religious harmony and consolidate economic stability.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher conveyed the message during a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (04).

President Dissanayake warmly welcomed the visiting Archbishop. During the discussion, Archbishop Gallagher was briefed on the current situation in the country and the progress achieved under President Dissanayake’s administration. 

The President expressed his appreciation to the Archbishop for undertaking this visit to Sri Lanka, which marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Sri Lanka.

President Dissanayake remarked that Archbishop Gallagher’s visit is a blessing for Sri Lanka. He noted that the half-century of diplomatic ties between the Vatican and Sri Lanka has brought significant benefits to the nation, not only spiritually, but also in promoting human dignity and providing support whenever the country has been in need.

The President highlighted the Vatican’s assistance to Sri Lanka’s education sector as well as its considerable support following the devastating tsunami. He conveyed deep gratitude for the solidarity and friendship extended by the Holy See over the past 50 years. 

President Dissanayake also extended his best wishes to Pope Leo XIV, wishing him good health and strength.

Archbishop Gallagher is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka and is scheduled to attend a commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Sri Lanka. During his stay, which continues until 8 November 2025, he will visit several locations of significance.

The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations is in Sri Lanka from 3–8 November to reinforce the shared commitment of the Holy See and Sri Lanka to peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding. His visit will also include participation in a conference titled The Holy See’s Perspective and Commitment to Dialogue and Peace, commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations on 6 September 1975. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, expressed humble respect to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, stating that Sri Lanka looks forward to strengthening its engagement with the Holy See under His Holiness’s esteemed leadership. 

Commenting on the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, Minister Herath said Sri Lanka reflects with pride on the multifaceted engagement between both parties, particularly in the areas of religion, education, healthcare, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation. 

“I also take this opportunity to note the enduring support and contribution of the Catholic community, who serve as a bridge in Sri Lanka–Vatican relations. The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka plays a significant role in nation-building, social cohesion, social services, and charity work for the poor and marginalized people in the country. The Catholic community, with its multi- ethnic composition, plays a key role in promoting reconciliation that is widely respected across all communities,” he said.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath made the remarks while addressing the media following the Working Meeting with the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, today. 

Commenting on the meeting in Colombo, Minister Herath said he took the opportunity to appreciate the assistance that the Holy See extended over the past five decades to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed the commitment of Sri Lanka to continue to strengthen the multifaceted bilateral relations. 

“The discussions that Archbishop Gallagher had with the President, the Prime Minister, and me were opportunities to share first-hand the developments in Sri Lanka following the elections of last year, the steps taken by our government in stabilizing the economy, ensuring genuine reconciliation amongst our people, combating bribery and corruption, as well as improving good governance, accountability and human rights,” he said. 

Minister Herath expressed confidence that the excellent relations between the Holy See and Sri Lanka will continue to flourish, promoting greater understanding and serving the common good of the people of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, arrived in Sri Lanka today, on an official six-day state visit.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra upon his arrival in Sri Lanka. 

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher will remain in Sri Lanka until 08th November, the visit being undertaken at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, in the Vatican. 

During his visit, Archbishop Gallagher will call on President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and hold official talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath. 

A special commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations will also be held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, where Archbishop Gallagher will deliver an address. 

The programme will further include visits to sites of cultural and religious significance across the country, including churches affected by the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. (Newswire)

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