PM congratulates new Pope

THE people of Sri Lanka are delighted at His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI being elected the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, said Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse.

The Prime Minister in his message said: "Your Holiness, I am extremely delighted to hear the news of Your Holiness being elected the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. I was privileged to listen to you in the St. Peter's Square in Vatican when you officiated at the funeral of the late His Holiness the Pope John Paul II.

I had no doubt in my mind at that time that Your Holiness should be the natural successor to the late Pope. From what I have read of you, I have also learnt that you have been a tower of strength to the late Pope.

The experience and the knowledge Your Holiness have gathered over years will undoubtedly help Your Holiness to discharge the duties and responsibilities that are assigned to a Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, efficiently and effectively.

Let me, therefore, take this opportunity to wish Your Holiness success in overseeing the affairs of the Roman Catholic Church and also tranquillity of mind to preside over numerous issues that will come before Your Holiness for final decision.

The people of Sri Lanka are also delighted at Your Holiness' election and send their warm wishes for a papacy that will be written in golden letters in the history of mankind."