Pope's efforts to promote peace will continue to be admired, says President

THE efforts of Pope John Paul II to promote peace and harmony, especially in the immediate post cold war period, within and between nations would continue to be admired in the years to come, President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said.

In a message of condolence to His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State to the Holy See, The Vatican on the passing away of Pope John Paul II, the President said: "Your Eminence, it is with deep sorrow that I learnt of the passing away of His Holiness Pope John Paul 11.

As a most revered and popular global personality, the late Holy Father has for over a quarter century spread the message of peace, reaching out to people across the Earth, encouraging tolerance and universal understanding.

The efforts of his Holiness to promote peace and harmony, especially in the immediate post cold war period, within and between nations, would continue to be admired in the years to come.

The contribution of the Holy Father to strengthen the warm relations that exist between Sri Lanka and the Holy See has been substantial and is greatly appreciated and admired by the people of this country.

I would like to recall with reverence the visit of the late Holy Father to Sri Lanka in 1995, where, he so eloquently expressed loving kindness, compassion, sympathy and equanimity, which are abiding values upheld by Christianity, as well as the other great religions, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam practised by Sri Lankans.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, and on my own behalf, permit me to extend to Your Eminence our deepest condolences in this period of grief for all Catholics. Please be assured, Your Eminence, that our warmest thoughts of solidarity are with you during this period of mourning.

Please accept, Your Eminence, the assurances of my highest consideration"