Sri Lanka, April 26 -- A National Day of Mourning was declared in Sri Lanka today (April 26) in view of the funeral rites of the late His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has informed secretaries and officials of ministries and departments to fly the national flag at half-mast at all government offices today.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis to be held in Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City.

Meanwhile, Both Italian and Vatican authorities are anticipating a large influx of visitors and official delegations from across the globe.

In preparation, unprecedente...