“When the Holy Pope visited Sri Lanka, he said the simple habits and unpretentious nature of President Maithripala Sirisena was similar to his life style. When the Holy Pope said ‘President Sirisena is just like me’ I said ‘no you are just like President Sirisena,” Archbishop said.

“Your presence here today is a great honour to us. You have now started a new journey and we wish you all the best in this endeavor as well as we will extend our fullest support for your initiatives,”  Archbishop Dr. Malcolm Ranjith further said.

President Sirisena thanking the Archbishop for hosting the banquet, said  His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to Sri Lanka in last January was a great blessing for him. He further said that the current Vatican tour left him with unforgettable memories.

Rev Valence Mendis -Bishop of Chilaw Diocese, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan delegation participated in the event, President's Media Unit said.