Task Force reviews arrangements for Pope’s visit

External Affairs Minister Prof.G.L. Peiris chaired a meeting of the National Task Force on Friday which is in charge of arrangements for Pope Francis’ forthcoming visit to Sri Lanka, a senior official at the External Affairs Ministry said.

Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Bishops and representatives of the relevant ministries, including officials of the Religious Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Highways and Public Administration were present.

Arrangements for Pope Francis’ forthcoming visit from January 13 – 15 were reviewed at the meeting.

The church confirmed that the pontiff’s visit will take place as planned although certain NGOs and groups have expressed opposite views.

Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Director, National Catholic Centre for Social Communications in Sri Lanka and Media Coordinator for the visit, told the Catholic Herald that there will be no change in the visit.

Among the special ceremonies, the Pope will attend during his three-day visit are, a Holy Mass and canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz at the Galle Face Green in Colombo on the second day of his visit, deliver a special speech at the Madhu Church later and a visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of Lanka at Bolawalana on the third day.

MF