President Mahinda Rajapaksa has formally invited His Holiness Pope Francis to visit Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Unit announced a short while ago.

President Rajapaksa and the delegation met the Pope at Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s Official Residence at The Vatican this morning (3) local time.

The Pope has expressed his eagerness to visit Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksa has briefed the Pope on several issues including the resettlement, rehabilitation and socialization of former combatants after the conflict, de-mining, infrastructure development and mega development projects in the north and east provinces.

Further he has also briefed the Pope on the present government’s ability to hold elections in both the north and east provinces where the terrorism reigned.