President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Pope Benedict XVI met for a one-on-one meeting at the Vatican on June 8. The private audience was held at the Papal Library.

During the meeting, President Rajapaksa explained to the Pope economic development work carried out in Sri Lanka and its progress. The President told the Pope there were no religious conflicts in Sri Lanka and the Buddhists in Sri Lanka were tolerant.

President Rajapaksa extended an invitation to the Pope to visit Sri Lanka.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI told President Rajapaksa, the President brought peace to Sri Lanka and the President could now work towards developing the country.

His Holiness stressed the importance of education and said the Vatican will help Sri Lanka through Caritas in the field of education.