Pak- Lanka remain committed to further consolidate relationship: Envoy

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka are located at two global strategic junctions on the land and maritime silk route respectively that had always been the meeting places of global civilizations, trade and cultures.

"The importance of both countries has increased tremendously in modern times for promoting cultural, civilizational and trade dialogue among the nations of the world," he said.

He was speaking at a reception to mark the 76th National Day of Pakistan which was hosted by the High Commission last week at a local Hotel in Colombo.

He emphasized that Pakistan and Sri Lanka relations date back to the formative years of our two countries. The foundation of this strong friendship was laid back in 1948 when the former Prime Minister of the then Ceylon Honourable D.S. Senanayke visited Pakistan.

High Commissioner Hussain said that the relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are firmly standing on the pillars of mutual trust, respect and desire to promote friendship. "This relationship is independent of any compulsions. High level visits, exchanges and multiple institutionalized mechanisms continuously provide renewed vigor to propel and expand the relationship to newer heights," he emphasized.

The High Commissioner said that the day of 23rd March 1940 is the most significant day in the history of Pakistan. This day the idea of Pakistan was formalized as a political goal for the Muslims of South Asia in their struggle for obtaining an independent homeland for themselves. It was with the immense sacrifices and tireless efforts of our great forefathers that an independent nation-state of Pakistan came into being on 14thAugust 1947, he elaborated.

Chief Guest Nimil Siripala de Silva, Minister ofTransport said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations which are broad-based and multifaceted.

While thanking the Government of Pakistan for its unwavering support in their fight against terrorism, Nimil Siripala said that Pakistan had played a decisive role in helping consolidate the integrity of Sri Lanka. He also expressed his gratitude for the support extended by Pakistan to the Government of Sri Lanka at the international and regional forums.

The event attracted large gathering including Government Ministers, parlimentarians, Commanders of Army, Air force and Navy, High Commissioners/Ambassadors, Sri Lankan government officials, Members of Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship trade and investment Association, Pakistan-Sri Lanka Business Council, Pakistani community and important personalities of the society and a large number of media representatives.