Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, paid a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
President Dissanayake warmly welcomed Archbishop Gallagher, who is visiting Sri Lanka to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican. During their discussion, the Archbishop was briefed on the country’s current situation and the progress achieved under President Dissanayake’s administration, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
Expressing his appreciation for the Archbishop’s visit, President Dissanayake described it as “a blessing for Sri Lanka.”He noted that the five decades of ties between the Vatican and Sri Lanka have been marked by enduring friendship and cooperation, benefiting the nation not only spiritually but also in promoting human dignity and providing support during times of need.
The President recalled the Vatican’s contributions to Sri Lanka’s education sector and its humanitarian assistancefollowing the 2004 tsunami. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Holy See’s continued solidarity and goodwill toward the people of Sri Lanka.
President Dissanayake also extended his best wishes to Pope Leo XIV, wishing him good health and strength.
In response, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed that both he and His Holiness the Pope deeply admire the progress Sri Lanka has made in fostering peace and unity among ethnic and religious communities. He added that, in light of this progress, Pope Leo XIV may consider an official visit to Sri Lanka in the near future.
The Archbishop further commended President Dissanayake’s leadership in restoring economic and political stability, reaffirming the Vatican’s support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ethnic harmony, interfaith understanding, and economic recovery.
