Pope Francis today called for reconciliation in Sri Lanka which is still divided along ethnic and religious lines following a 26-year-long civil war with the LTTE.
"What is needed now is healing and unity not further conflict and division," the Pope said at an inter-religion blessings meeting which was attended by the Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians.
Speaking on the occasion, the Pope said he hoped that his visit will help to encourage and deepen the various forms of inter-religious cooperation in the island nation.
"It is my hope that inter-religious and ecumenical cooperation will demonstrate that men do not have to forsake their identity, whether ethnic or religious in order to live in harmony with their brothers and sisters," he said.
Earlier, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena called on 78-year-old Pope, who is in the country on a two-day visit, officials said.
The Vatican in the recent years had expressed concern over religious tensions in Sri Lanka. Religious minority groups have complained of harassment.
Francis, the first Pope to visit the Buddhist majority Sri Lanka in 20 years, is to hold a mass in the Galle Face promenade here tomorrow.
The Pope will also travel to the northeastern Tamil region tomorrow for another mass at th historic Madu church in Mannar.
Meanwhile, Francis cancelled a planned meeting with Sri Lankan bishops. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said only that the meeting with the bishops had been cancelled due to the pope's late arrival from the airport.
