Today, Members of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena and Hector Appuhami traveled to the Vatican to pay their final respects to His Holiness Pope Francis, who has sadly passed away. Representing the Leader of the Opposition and the people of Sri Lanka, the two opposition MPs took part in this solemn occasion.
(Sri Lanka Latest News)
Although Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic nation, His Holiness Pope Francis always showed deep affection and concern for our country and its people. He visited Sri Lanka twice, offering blessings at the revered Maradamadu Shrine — a cherished symbol for the Catholic community — and at the Bolawalana Education Center.
His Holiness also raised his voice in support of justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and took a significant interest in seeking accountability for the tragedy.
Moreover, on Easter Sunday 2025, His Holiness delivered blessings to people across the world, fervently praying for global peace. During that address, he especially prayed for peace among the people of Israel, Palestine, Ukraine, and Russia. It was shortly after this that His Holiness departed from this world and ascended to heaven.
Joining Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena and Hector Appuhami in their visit to the Vatican was Mr. Rohitha Claudio, a Sri Lankan residing in the city of Prevenziano, Italy. Together, they paid their last respects to His Holiness on behalf of the entire Sri Lankan nation.
