Sri Lankan president issues statement on papal meeting

December 02, 2008

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s media division has issued a statement on his meeting yesterday with Pope Benedict. "Pope Benedict expressed keen interest in the developments in Sri Lanka, the moves by the Government to provide humanitarian assistance and the hope for the restoration of democratic freedom in all parts of Sri Lanka. The Pope had also expressed concern over the spread of terrorism in the region, and the need for concerted international action to eliminate terrorism, wherever it occurs."

In his conversation with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Sri Lankan president discussed the nation’s commitment to religious freedom and the conflict in the northern part of is nation.

 

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Further information:

• President briefs Pope on Lanka (Colombo Daily Mirror)
• Civil strife is main topic as Pope meets with Sri Lankan leader (CWN)