Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Himalee Arunatilaka, concurrently accredited to the Holy See, presented her credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican on 6 December.

During the ceremony, the Pope emphasized the importance of peace, human rights, and support for vulnerable populations, while welcoming the newly accredited Ambassadors. 

Ambassador Arunatilaka conveyed greetings from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and briefed Vatican officials on the humanitarian impact of Cyclone Ditwah, acknowledging aid provided by Caritas Sri Lanka.

Separate meetings were held with Cardinal Pietro Paroline and Archbishop Paul Gallagher to discuss bilateral cooperation on migration, disarmament, and inter-religious dialogue.