Archbishop Gallagher Visits Sri Lanka to Mark 50 Years of Holy See Relations
From 3 to 8 November, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, visited Sri Lanka to commemorate five decades of diplomatic relations with the Holy See. The visit was aimed at deepening cooperation and reaffirming a shared commitment to peace and dialogue between the Vatican and Sri Lanka.
During his stay, Archbishop Gallagher paid tribute to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019 by visiting sites affected by the tragedy.
Meetings with Sri Lankan Leaders
Upon his arrival, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra, welcomed the archbishop. According to the Vatican Secretary of State’s official X account, Gallagher’s schedule included key meetings with national leaders.
- Meeting with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on 3 November
- Meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on 4 November
Commemorative Conference on Dialogue and Peace
The Secretary participated in a conference titled “The Holy See’s Perspective and Commitment to Dialogue and Peace,” celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, established on 6 September 1975.
Author's Summary
Archbishop Gallagher’s November visit to Sri Lanka marked 50 years of Vatican-Sri Lanka relations, emphasizing continued collaboration, peace, and remembrance.