KEY POINTS
- Tarar and Thilakaratne agree to enhance sports collaboration and people-to-people links.
- Both nations explore expanded cooperation in cricket and youth development.
- Sri Lankan delegation praises Pakistan’s arrangements for the Tri-Nation Series.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sports cooperation, with Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sugath Thilakaratne agreeing that sports serve as a vital tool for boosting people-to-people ties and deepening mutual understanding.
During the meeting, both sides discussed expanding collaboration in cricket and other sporting disciplines, while also enhancing broader bilateral relations.
Minister Tarar highlighted that Pakistan and Sri Lanka share longstanding ties rooted in trust, respect and shared values.
He emphasised that sports cooperation not only unites the youth but also acts as a bridge of friendship between the people of both nations.
Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan leadership for its support in advancing bilateral sports initiatives and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting sports diplomacy across the region.
Tarar noted that the Deputy Minister’s visit to Pakistan, despite an ongoing budget session in the Sri Lankan Parliament, reflected the depth and warmth of the relationship between the two countries.
Delighted to welcome Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Sugath Thilakaratne. We are honoured by his presence. He came to Pakistan to witness the cricket series despite budget session of Parliament going on back in Colombo. He will be meeting players of Sri Lankan… pic.twitter.com/yF9gVJZh4b
— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) November 20, 2025
He expressed confidence that the visit would open new avenues for cooperation in youth development and sports.
The Sri Lankan delegation lauded Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the excellent arrangements made for the Tri-Nation Cricket Series, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also conveyed his appreciation during a luncheon held in honour of the participating teams.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s hospitality and commitment to strengthening sports diplomacy, the delegation confirmed its attendance at the ongoing series.
Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne, Deputy High Commissioner Christie Ruben and Minister Counsellor (Defence) Brigadier G.A.K.R. Gunaratne were also present, underscoring the strong diplomatic and defence ties between the two nations.
