Officials from Sri Lanka's government and the Catholic Church met at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss concerns affecting state-run Catholic schools, including staffing and religious education provisions.

A formal discussion between government representatives and Catholic Church leadership took place at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon, marking what Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith described as one of three annual meetings between the two institutions. The dialogue was co-chaired by Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena and Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The meeting agenda centred on administrative challenges facing Catholic schools that have been transferred to government management, as well as strategies for staffing religious instruction positions. Participants also explored ways to support the recruitment of Catholic priests, nuns, and brothers into teaching roles, and discussed mechanisms through which the Ministry of Education could better assist in the day-to-day operations of government-managed Catholic institutions.

Cardinal Ranjith, speaking on behalf of the Church, welcomed the government's commitment to holding regular consultations, while emphasising the importance of ensuring all students can freely learn and practise their respective religions without discrimination. He also raised the ongoing issue of environmental damage caused by the X-Press Pearl maritime incident, calling for continued investigation by relevant authorities.

The delegation included senior bishops Harold Anthony Perera, Wimal Siri Jayasuriya, and Maxwell Silva, alongside other clergy members. Government attendees included the Secretary to the Prime Minister and multiple education ministry officials, reflecting the significance placed on the engagement by both parties.