Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday, on an official six-day state visit.

Archbishop Gallagher was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra upon his arrival here.

He will remain in Sri Lanka until 08 Nov, the visit being undertaken at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, in the Vatican.

Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday. Archbishop Gallagher was received, upon arrival, by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra. Archbishop Gallagher will be in Sri Lanka until 8th November, 2025, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

During his visit, Archbishop Gallagher will call on President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and hold official talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.

A special commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations will also be held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, where Archbishop Gallagher will deliver an address.

The programme will further include visits to sites of cultural and religious significance across the country, including churches affected by the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019.