November 01, Colombo (LNW): Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, is scheduled to make an official visit to Sri Lanka from November 03 to 08, 2025.
His visit comes at the invitation of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, as part of celebrations marking half a century of formal diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Archbishop Gallagher’s itinerary includes meetings with President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Minister Herath. These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation, interfaith understanding, and the shared commitment to global peace and humanitarian values.
A central highlight of the visit will be a commemorative ceremony at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, celebrating fifty years of diplomatic engagement. Archbishop Gallagher is expected to deliver a keynote address reflecting on the historical ties between the Holy See and Sri Lanka, and their mutual efforts in promoting dialogue, education, and community development.
In addition to official engagements, the Archbishop will visit a number of religious and cultural landmarks across the country. His itinerary is also expected to include moments of reflection and prayer at churches affected by the tragic Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, underlining the Vatican’s continued solidarity with the victims and their families.
