The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 3 to 8 November 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in the longstanding friendly relations between the Holy See and Sri Lanka, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Archbishop Gallagher was received on arrival by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra. His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka, and His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Perera joined in welcoming the Holy See delegation at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
During his visit, Archbishop Gallagher paid courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Discussions focused on multiple aspects of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the Holy See. The President and the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Holy See’s support to Sri Lanka, including in the field of education, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reconciliation through inclusivity, dialogue, mutual understanding and pluralism. Archbishop Gallagher commended Sri Lanka’s progress in reconciliation and expressed the Holy See’s continued solidarity with the Sri Lankan people. Sri Lanka also extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka.
Archbishop Gallagher also held bilateral discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. The meeting reaffirmed the strong and ongoing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, with emphasis on humanitarian assistance provided through Caritas Sri Lanka–SEDEC, the reconciliation process, and the promotion of interfaith harmony in Sri Lanka’s multiethnic and multireligious society. Both sides underscored the importance of joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, and extremism.
Following their discussions, both Foreign Ministers addressed a joint media briefing, reaffirming the shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual cooperation. They also agreed to explore new avenues of collaboration on global issues such as environmental sustainability and social justice.
On 4 November, a commemorative event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See was held at the Galle Face Hotel. Archbishop Gallagher delivered a public lecture titled “Working Together for Dialogue and Peace: The Perspective and Commitment of the Holy See”, reaffirming the Vatican’s dedication to promoting peace and equality. Minister of Science and Technology, Chryshantha Abeysena delivered the vote of thanks at the event, expressing Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the Holy See’s enduring support for peace, reconciliation, and religious coexistence in Sri Lanka.
The visit reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s development, and fostering interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and spiritual and cultural ties with Sri Lanka. The engagements held during Archbishop Gallagher’s stay deepened bilateral relations and will serve as a foundation for future collaboration in education, peace building, and the promotion of religious freedom.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Colombo
13 November 2025