On 14th December 2015 Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, who subsequently met with the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States.

 

A statement from the Holy See Press Office called the discussions “cordial”, and said the two men began the meeting by recalling the Holy Father’s visit to Sri  Lanka last January. Their subsequent discussions focused on certain aspects of the country’s recent history and the process of  peace and reconciliation that is underway, with the hope that it may contribute to promoting stable  social harmony.

 

Furthermore, they emphasized the contribution of the Catholic Church in various sectors of society  and the importance of interreligious dialogue.

There was also an exchange of opinions on the theme of the environment and an evaluation of the results of the Conference on climate change, recently concluded in Paris.

 

Pope Francis further stated that the best way to combat terrorism activities and conflicts in the world is to halt the production of military equipment.

 

President Sirisena said that the blessing of the Pope is a great strength for Sri Lanka's path towards national reconciliation and peace and emphasized that there is a great respect for Pope Francis not only in the hearts of the Sri Lankan Catholic community but also people of other religious communities in the country as well.

 

The Holy Father gave President Maithripala Sirisena a wooden depiction of the "Tree of Peace," made with two intertwined olive branches and book written by the Holy Father about the environmental protection and Social Justice was also presented to the President.

Mr. Sirisena gifted the Holy Father a large silver vase.

 

Minister of Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, State Minister of City Planning and Water Supply Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Deputy Minister of Christian Religious Affairs Arundika Fernando, MPs Kavinda Jayawardena and Hector Appuhamy, the Deputy Head of the Prime Minister's Office Rosy Senanayake and former MP Dayasritha Tissera also participated in this meeting.

H.E. Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha played a key role in the organization of this visit.