His Holiness Pope Francis arrived in Sri Lanka Tuesday (13) morning to a rousing state reception, headed by HE the President Maithripala Siresena and a host of religious dignitaries.
First Lady Mrs Sirisena, Former President, Chandrika Kumarathunge, Hon Prime Minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe and Mrs Maithri Wickramasinghe, Ministers, Ravi Karunanayake and John Amarathunge, Bishops in attendance, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police were at the Airport to greet him.
Seconds after landing Pope Francis was greeted to a special tri-service Guard of Honour at the BIA with the participation of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) troops, together with their mascot, Kandula 8th, the baby pachyderm who did the honours, commanded by Major O.N Manage. Tri-service Commanders, senior officials and a gathering of clergy were present there performing relevant assignments.
President Maithripala Sirisena invited his Holiness afterwards to deliver a formal address after welcoming him to the country. The visiting dignitary later on placed his signature in the VIP Book and left his memories.
All 12 dioceses of the country and Cardinals welcomed the Holy See and his retinue warmly and ushered him to deliver a brief speech on arrival in Sri Lanka in the company of President Sirisena and the Cardinal Dr Malcolm Ranjith
The two-day visit, set to focus on peace and reconciliation after a decade-long terrorism on the island, will include a speech to the Bishops of Sri Lanka, courtesy visit to the President, interreligious meeting, Holy Mass and canonization of Rev Joseph Vaz at Galle Face Green, prayers at Madhu Shrine and a visit to the Chapel ‘Our Lady of Lanka’ at Bolawalana.
First Lady Mrs Sirisena, Former President, Chandrika Kumarathunge, Hon Prime Minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe and Mrs Maithri Wickramasinghe, Ministers, Ravi Karunanayake and John Amarathunge, Bishops in attendance, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Service Commanders, Inspector General of Police were at the Airport to greet him.
Seconds after landing Pope Francis was greeted to a special tri-service Guard of Honour at the BIA with the participation of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) troops, together with their mascot, Kandula 8th, the baby pachyderm who did the honours, commanded by Major O.N Manage. Tri-service Commanders, senior officials and a gathering of clergy were present there performing relevant assignments.
President Maithripala Sirisena invited his Holiness afterwards to deliver a formal address after welcoming him to the country. The visiting dignitary later on placed his signature in the VIP Book and left his memories.
All 12 dioceses of the country and Cardinals welcomed the Holy See and his retinue warmly and ushered him to deliver a brief speech on arrival in Sri Lanka in the company of President Sirisena and the Cardinal Dr Malcolm Ranjith
The two-day visit, set to focus on peace and reconciliation after a decade-long terrorism on the island, will include a speech to the Bishops of Sri Lanka, courtesy visit to the President, interreligious meeting, Holy Mass and canonization of Rev Joseph Vaz at Galle Face Green, prayers at Madhu Shrine and a visit to the Chapel ‘Our Lady of Lanka’ at Bolawalana.
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