‘Guide us’ President writes to new Pontiff
[April 21, 2005 - 4.00 GMT]

President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday felicitated Pope Benedict XVI from London.  In her laudatory message to the Holy Father the President said “Your Holiness has assumed duties at a significant moment of history, when there is a great yearning for peace and harmony in the world. I am confident Your Holiness will guide us with wisdom towards a better world”.

The full text of the President’s message

Your Holiness,

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka and my own behalf, I extend to Your Holiness and the people of the Holy See, our warm congratulations and respectful greetings on your election to the Sovereign Pontificate.

Your Holiness has assumed duties at a significant moment of history, when there is a great yearning for peace and harmony in the world. I am confident Your Holiness will guide us with wisdom towards a better world.

Sri Lanka enjoys a warm relationship with the Holy See and has worked closely with the religious dialogue initiated by His Holiness the Late Pope. We are confident that this cooperation will further strengthen under the guidance of Your Holiness.

May I extend to Your Holiness, my sincere best wishes for your good health and peace and prosperity of the Holy See.

Please accept Your Holiness, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

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Last Updated Date: April 20, 2005 - 10.30 GMT