Sunday Times 2
Pakistan HC marks Independence anniversary with book launch
View(s):Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra has said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been linked since ancient times, a link which is now 2,300 years old.
Acting High Commissioner Sarfraz Ahmed handing over a copy of the book 'An Enduring Friendship' to Speaker Karu Jaysruriya
“In 1948, shortly after Independence of Sri Lanka, this link was revived and reborn when the founding father of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake travelled to Pakistan to meet the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He underscored that whenever Pakistan needed; Sri Lanka has always been there. Similarly whenever Sir Lanka needed Pakistan, Pakistan has always been there,” Dr. Sarfraz Sipra said addressing the launching ceremony of book “An Enduring Friendship; Sri Lanka and Pakistan”.
The launch was organized by the Pakistan High Commission in a local hotel onAugust 14 on the occasion of 70th independence anniversary of Pakistan.
Sri Lanka’s Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasooriya graced the occasion as the chief guest. Guests of honour included former Sri Lankan Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama, Commerce and Industry Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage, National Integration and Reconciliation State Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, Rehabilitation and Resettlement State Minister M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Deputy Minister Petroleum Resources Development Minister Anoma Gamage, and Former Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris.
The book written by a Sri Lankan author Arshad Cassim, suggests innovative approaches that need to be adopted for reinforcing happily existing friendly Pak-Lanka ties, the Acting High Commissioner said. Author Cassim said that the book narrates the story of a friendship rapidly evolving in a non-military context, following the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka. It explores the potential for greater economic and cultural cooperation.