Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Wednesday, 14 January 2015 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
His Holiness Pope Francis arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport last morning. The Holy Father was welcomed by President Maithripala Sirisena – Pix by Pradeep Pathirana and Sudath Silva
It is a happy and joyful occasion to welcome Your Holiness on behalf of my Government and the people of Sri Lanka. It’s indeed significant that Your Holiness commence apostolic journey to Asia with a visit to Sri Lanka. Your visit is also especially significant to me personally as I have been elected to 
office of President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka only a few days ago. The visit of Your Holiness gives me an opportunity to receive your blessings as I commence my term of office.
Your Holiness, my Government is promoting peace and friendship among our people after overcoming a cruel terrorist conflict. We have people who believe in religious, tolerance, and co-existence based on our centuries old religious heritage.
I am extremely pleased that during this visit you will canonise Sri Lanka’s first Saint Joseph Vaz, a Catholic missionary from India. He made a significant contribution to the growth of the Catholic faith in this country. Your Holiness, our two countries have played a significant role in fostering two of the world major religions; Christianity and Buddhism.
I look forward to further strengthen the bilateral relations that exist between Sri Lanka and the Holy See. On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka I wish you a most fruitful and memorable journey in our beautiful country. I seek the blessings of Your Holiness on the people of Sri Lanka and request you prayers for the peace progress and prosperity of our people.
