(Text of Media Release Issued by the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress on 12 January 2015)

His Holiness Pope Francis Arrives in Sri Lanka-facebook.com/popevisitsrilanka2015

The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis on his inaugural visit to Sri Lanka.
His Holiness, the first pope from the Global South, has played an important role in fostering understanding and harmony between communities based on the principles of mutual respect and dialogue.

His concern for the oppressed and his commitment to social justice has been appreciated by the disadvantaged around the world, including in Sri Lanka.

We hope that His Holiness’ presence, advice and example will help make this critical opportunity in our democratic history a turning point in the struggle for equality, justice and freedom. We also hope that it will renew our society’s commitment to compassion, peace and virtue.

M.T. Hasen Ali MP
Secretary-General
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress