Minister Vijitha Herath recently met with the Vatican Ambassador, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism on the 28th.
During the meeting, it was conveyed to the Vatican Ambassador that Sri Lanka and the Vatican City State will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. In this regard, the Vatican’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, is expected to visit Sri Lanka.
Currently, over 100 Sri Lankan Catholic priests and nuns are pursuing studies at universities affiliated with the Holy See. The discussion also included exploring opportunities to share experiences regarding cultural cooperation and the preservation of Vatican’s ancient monuments and archives.
“Minister Vijitha Herath meets Vatican Ambassador”
Minister Vijitha Herath expressed his deep appreciation for the long-standing cooperation and peaceful coexistence between Sri Lanka and the Vatican City State over the past 50 years.
Additionally, the minister thanked the Vatican for the support extended through Caritas, an international organization operating under the Vatican’s guidance, which has been instrumental in alleviating poverty in Sri Lanka, particularly in the plantation and agricultural sectors.
He also recalled that between 2022 and 2025, Caritas has allocated USD 380 million for youth initiatives, housing projects, and rehabilitation efforts in the Northern and Eastern regions, expressing gratitude to the Vatican City State for this generous assistance.
Ajith Weerasuriya
