Vatican Foreign Minister meets Prime Minister at Temple Trees

His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for the Holy See’s Relations with States and International Organizations (Foreign Minister of the Vatican), paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on Monday.

The discussions focused on education, reconciliation, and international relations. Prime Minister Amarasuriya outlined the government’s new education reforms, which Archbishop Gallagher warmly welcomed. He also highlighted the Holy See’s global initiative, the Jubilee of World Education, describing education as “the new name for peace, hope, and community development.”

Addressing post-conflict reconciliation, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s inclusive and pluralistic approach, noting that reconciliation requires ongoing dialogue, patience, and renewed perspectives. Archbishop Gallagher praised this vision and stressed the importance of justice, trust, and transparency in building international confidence.

The meeting concluded with Archbishop Gallagher suggesting that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV consider an official visit to Sri Lanka—a proposal the Prime Minister welcomed, expressing readiness to extend a formal invitation. Dr. Amarasuriya also accepted Archbishop Gallagher’s invitation to visit the Holy See.

The Vatican delegation included Rev. Monsignor Roberto Lucchini, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Holy See in Colombo, and Rev. Monsignor Tomislav Zubac, Second Secretary of the Secretariat of State. Representing Sri Lanka were Mr. Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary; Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, Director General; and Mrs. Anodya Chirasrie, Deputy Director (Europe & North America) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.