Sri Lanka ready to work closely with the Vatican on shared global interests – Minister Wijitha Herath
05-Nov-2025.
Sri Lanka is prepared to cooperate closely with the Holy See on matters of shared interest in the United Nations and multilateral forums, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Wijitha Herath.
He made this statement following a meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, during the latter’s official visit to Colombo on November 4.
The visit marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican—an important milestone symbolizing five decades of friendship, cooperation, and shared commitment to peace, human development, and social justice.
Minister Herath noted that this high-level engagement reflected both countries’ close ties and mutual desire to deepen the partnership in the coming years. He commended the Vatican’s longstanding moral voice in support of justice, reconciliation, peace, disarmament, and human rights—values that resonate deeply with the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.
He acknowledged the Catholic Church’s vital role in Sri Lanka’s religious and social landscape, particularly in reconciliation and nation-building in post-conflict contexts.
He recalled with gratitude the historic visits of Popes Paul VI (1970), John Paul II (1995), and Francis (2015), which strengthened spiritual and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Herath also reflected on his recent visit to the Vatican to attend the funeral of the late Pope Francis on 26 April 2025, conveying Sri Lanka’s respect to Pope Leo XIV and expressing commitment to strengthening engagement with the Holy See under his leadership.
Celebrating the golden jubilee of relations, Herath praised multifaceted collaboration in religion, education, healthcare, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation, acknowledging the Catholic community’s enduring contributions as a bridge between Sri Lanka and the Vatican.
He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the Vatican’s humanitarian assistance and reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Herath also briefed Archbishop Gallagher on Sri Lanka’s progress since the recent election—efforts to stabilize the economy, promote reconciliation, combat corruption, and strengthen governance, accountability, and human rights.
He emphasized Sri Lanka’s recognition of the Vatican as a steadfast advocate for dialogue, inclusion, and religious freedom, and expressed eagerness to explore new avenues of cooperation on global issues such as environmental sustainability and challenges faced by developing nations.
“Sri Lanka is ready to work closely with the Holy See on matters of shared concern in the UN and multilateral forums,” Herath said, expressing hope that the excellent relations between Sri Lanka and the Vatican will continue to flourish and serve the common good of the Sri Lankan people.
