## 🇻🇦 President Formally Invites Pope Leo XIV to Sri Lanka

• Diplomatic Outreach: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued a formal invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for an official visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with the Holy See. • Official Handover: The invitation letter was delivered at the Vatican on March 2, 2026, by Minister Bimal Rathnayake during his official mission to Italy. • High-Level Engagement: The letter was presented to Monsignor Mihaita Blaj, Under-Secretary for Relations with States, marking a significant step in Sri Lanka's international diplomacy and engagement with global religious leadership. • Context: While primarily a diplomatic and state visit, such high-profile engagements often bolster Sri Lanka's international standing and can positively impact the tourism and services sectors through increased global visibility.