Sri Lanka Honors 50-Year Bond with the Vatican

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its foreign relations, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with the Holy See.

The occasion was commemorated with a high-level meeting between Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See.

Speaking at the press briefing, Minister Herath highlighted the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the Vatican, rooted in shared values of peace, human development, and social justice. He paid tribute to the Catholic Church’s vital role in Sri Lanka’s religious and social fabric, particularly in nation-building and reconciliation efforts following the country’s conflict years.

“The Catholic Church has played a vital role in Sri Lanka's religious and social landscape, contributing significantly to nation-building and reconciliation, particularly in the post-conflict context,” Minister Herath stated. “As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we reflect with pride on our multifaceted engagement in areas such as education, healthcare, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian cooperation.”

He also acknowledged the Catholic community’s contribution as a bridge in Sri Lanka-Vatican relations and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Minister Herath emphasized Sri Lanka’s readiness to collaborate with the Holy See on global challenges, including environmental sustainability and multilateral cooperation at the United Nations.

Archbishop Gallagher, in his remarks, praised the cordial nature of the discussions and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to deepening ties with Sri Lanka.

“This 50th anniversary is a testament to a long tradition of dialogue and collaboration,” he said. “We agreed on the importance of continuing along the common path, strengthening cooperation both regionally and globally, with the goal of contributing to a more just and peaceful world.”

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing confidence in the future of Sri Lanka–Holy See relations, grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for global peace and development.