News - Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN Geneva Switzerland

: Published: 13 November 2025; Last Updated: 14 November 2025

Holy See HE Gallagher MFA

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.

: Published: 04 November 2025; Last Updated: 05 November 2025

Statement to the Media by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath following the Working Meeting with His Excellency the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, 04th November 2025

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Your Excellency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See

Distinguished Members/ friends from the Media,
It is with great honour that I welcome His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher today at this Ministry.

This visit marks a momentous occasion, the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Holy See. It is a milestone that we proudly celebrate, reflecting five decades of friendship, cooperation, and a shared commitment to peace, human development, and social justice. This high-level engagement is a clear reflection of our close ties and our mutual desire to deepen this partnership in the years ahead.

: Published: 31 October 2025; Last Updated: 31 October 2025

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 3rd to 8th November 2025.

: Published: 12 January 2016; Last Updated: 04 February 2016

11jan2016 dpl meeting

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Holy See Ravinatha Aryasinha participated in a series of events held in connection with the Occasion of the ‘Annual Hearing of the Holy Pope’ on 11th January 2016 held at the Vatican. 83 Resident Ambassadors and other concurrently accredited non- Resident Ambassadors participated in these events.

During an interaction with His Holiness, Ambassador Aryasinha conveyed greetings from the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka to His Holiness and particularly appreciated the attention the Holy Father had given Sri Lanka over the past year long period since his visit to Colombo on 13 – 15 January 2015. He also assured him of Sri Lanka’s support to his global efforts, particularly in relation to social upliftment, the environment and inter-religious dialogue.

: Published: 14 December 2015; Last Updated: 04 February 2016

President Maithripala Sirisena called on His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican today (14).

Pope Francis expressed his happiness over the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him when he visited Sri Lanka last January and said that Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation with friendly people.

His Holiness commended the initiatives taken by the President towards peacebuilding and reconciliation in the country.

: Published: 18 November 2015; Last Updated: 03 December 2015

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Holy See and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha called on the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See (equivalent to Foreign Minister) His Excellency Archbishop Paul Gallagher at the Vatican on 18 November 2015.

Ambassador Aryasinha updated Archbishop Gallagher on the political, social and economic developments that had taken place since the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, particularly aspects pertaining to addressing democracy and human rights related concerns, as well as ensuring a permanent peace and reconciliation.

: Published: 13 January 2015; Last Updated: 23 January 2015

“I am convinced that the followers of the various religious traditions have an essential role to play in the delicate process of reconciliation and rebuilding which is taking place in this country”, said His Holiness Pope Francis speaking at the Bandaranaike International Airport upon his arrival, today (13).

“For that process to succeed all members of society must work together; all must have a voice”, he further said.

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Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher concludes Official Visit to Sri Lanka

Statement to the Media by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath following the Working Meeting with H.E. the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See

Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher to visit Sri Lanka

Ambassador Aryasinha participates in the ‘Annual Hearing of the Holy Pope’

President meets with Pope Francis

Ambassador Aryasinha calls on the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See

For reconciliation & rebuilding process to succeed all must work together - Pope