National Flag to fly half-mast at state institutions
January 05, 2023President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared that the National Flag be placed half-mast at all state institutions today (05 Jan) as a mark of respect to the great services rendered by His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and his ascension to heaven.
The former Pope died on New Year's Eve (Saturday) at the age of 95 in the Vatican.
President Wickremesinghe visited the Embassy of the Holy See (Vatican Apostolic nunciature) in Colombo on Wednesday (04) to express his condolences. He also engaged in a brief conversation with His Eminence Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Vatican Apostolic Ambassador to Sri Lanka during his visit. The President made a note in the special condolence book placed at the Embassy, states President’s Media sources.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI retired a decade ago after serving eight years as Pope from 2005 to 2013.
Photo Courtesy - President's Media Division