He said that in accordance with the wishes of the Vatican and Catholic groups in Sri Lanka all portraits of Pope Francis have been taken out thereby ensuring his visit to the country next month is not politicised for election propaganda.

Meanwhile a four-member delegation from the Vatican is visiting Sri Lanka to monitor the situation ahead of the Pope's trip scheduled to take place from January 13-15, 2015.

Deputy Foreign Minister Neomal Perera also claimed that Vatican officials were pleased with the arrangements being made to welcome Pope Francis.