Abp Gallagher in Sri Lanka to mark 50 years of relations with Holy See

Archbishop Gallagher Visits Sri Lanka to Mark 50 Years of Relations with the Holy See

From 3 to 8 November, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, is visiting Sri Lanka. This visit commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, established on 6 September 1975.

The purpose of the visit is to strengthen the ongoing commitment to peace and cooperation shared by both parties. Archbishop Gallagher will also visit sites affected by the tragic Easter Sunday attacks of 2019.

Official Engagements During the Visit

Upon arrival, the Archbishop was welcomed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra.
On 3 November, he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
On 4 November, meetings include President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.
The same day, Archbishop Gallagher will participate in a conference titled "The Holy See’s Perspective and Commitment to Dialogue and Peace", celebrating the diplomatic relations milestone.

"The visit marks an effort to reinforce the shared commitment to peace and cooperation between the two nations."

The 50 years of diplomatic relations have provided a foundation for ongoing dialogue and mutual support between Sri Lanka and the Holy See.

Summary

Archbishop Gallagher’s visit highlights five decades of diplomacy between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, emphasizing peace, dialogue, and recovery from past tragedies.

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Vatican News — 2025-11-04

Archbishop Gallagher Visits Sri Lanka to Mark 50 Years of Relations with the Holy See

Official Engagements During the Visit

Summary

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