President Maithripala Sirisena commended the immense contribution made by the Catholic Church for social development and help given to the poor and underprivileged.

Speaking to the delegates attending the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference yesterday at the President’s House in Colombo, he said Sri Lanka is a nation of different religions and diverse cultures and has a traditions going back to several centuries.

The 11th Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference which started on November 28, will be held till December 04 in Negombo.

The current President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, representing the holy Pope, Archbishop Pierri Nquyen Van Tot were present at this meeting. Cardinals from 17 countries and nearly 140 foreign representatives from Canada, Spain, Poland, France, Italy and USA also participated in this occasion.

“We have a closer understanding and respect for each others’ cultures, customs, traditions and values”, he said. He pointed out the significance of holding the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, a country where the people are living in peace and harmony.