By Naveed Miraj & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pakistan celebrated the 76th Anniversary of the country’s Independence Day here on Tuesday.
Dr. Nadeem Jan, the Federal Minister for Health Services, Regulation and Coordination was the chief guest on the occasion.
The celebrations were attended by High Commissioners, Ambassadors, the country’s diaspora community, and distinguished guests.
The ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka date back to the formative years of the two states. The two countries laid the foundation of their ties in 1948 when Prime Minister of Sri Lanka DS Senanayake visited Pakistan. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are both Commonwealth states.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne (Retd), in his remarks referred to the immense sacrifices made by the brave Sri Lankan nation to get the independence from British Empire.
He emphasized the warm and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, dating back to the independence period. He said the bilateral ties are deeply rooted in history and culture. He noted that both countries are cricket loving nations and want to enhance their cooperation in this area.
The High Commissioner said that both countries are resilient nations and facing the common threat of terrorism.
He went on to say that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have signed a free trade agreement and Pakistan is the second largest trade partner of Sri Lanka.
He stressed the need to further expand bilateral ties in all areas. Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne expressing his views said Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy strong defense ties adding that many Sri Lankan military cadets are being trained in Pakistan military academy.
A large cake was also cut on the occasion.
