Sri Lanka invites Pope Leo XIV to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties

• Invitation was conveyed during the official visit of His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher
• Archbishop Gallagher’s visit underscored the growing cooperation between the two states

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 Dissanayake 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.