Celebration of 58th Defence Day of Pakistan

The High Commission of Pakistan, Colombo (Sri Lanka) organised a reception to celebrate the 58th Defence Day of Pakistan at a hotel in Colombo on 7 September 2023. Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence General (Retd.) G.D.H. Kamal Gunaratne WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Pakistan Defence Advisor Colonel Muhammad Farooq Bugti, while welcoming the guests, highlighted the indomitable spirit and sacrifices of the Armed Forces in defending the motherland against a three times large adversary in 1965. He also underscored the role of the Armed Forces in eliminating the scourge of extremism and terrorism from Pakistan and bringing peace and stability to the country. The Defence Advisor reiterated that the Pakistan Armed Forces are fully prepared to thwart any aggressive design against Pakistan while upholding principles of peace and diplomacy.

High Commissioner of Pakistan Major General (Retd.) Umar Farooq Burki, HI (M) thanked the respected guests for attending the reception. In his remarks, he said that 6 September, the Defence Day of Pakistan holds a significant place in the history of Pakistan, for it was on this day in 1965 when valiant Armed Forces and the entire nation stood united to thwart the nefarious design of their adversary. It also reminds the supreme sacrifices made by the armed forces and the people of Pakistan in defeating an adversary who enjoyed overwhelming numerical and technological advantage.  

He also paid homage and tribute to Martyrs (Shuhada) and Ghazis, brave men and women of our Armed Forces of Pakistan. He emphasised that the world has also witnessed the resolve of the Armed Forces of Pakistan in a protracted fight against terrorism and bringing peace and stability to the country. He underscored that the Armed forces of Pakistan and the nation renewed their pledge and commitment to defend every inch of the motherland. 

On Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship, the High Commissioner highlighted that the relationship between the two countries has been tested and gained strength in all spheres and domains over the years. He highlighted that more than 7000 officers and soldiers from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces have been imparted training by Pakistan Armed Forces besides provision of military hardware and equipment to Sri Lankan Armed Forces at the time of need. He added that the relationship between the countries is getting stronger with each passing day. 

Secretary of Defence General (Retd.) G.D.H. Kamal Gunaratne said that Pakistan has been a true friend of Sri Lanka. He recalled that Pakistan has rendered unconditional support to Sri Lanka for the elimination of the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world. While underscoring strong relations between the two countries, he said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. 

The Government and people of Sri Lanka will never forget the morale and material support provided by Pakistan without any strings/ conditions attached to it. He added that Pakistan and Sri Lankan Armed Forces have maintained close cooperation, especially in the domain of military training and hardware at the time of need. He wished sustainable peace and economic prosperity to the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan who have rendered countless sacrifices in the last twenty years against terrorism.

A short documentary highlighting the professionalism and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the motherland was also displayed for the audience. Later on, a cake commemorating the Pakistan Defence Day was jointly cut by the Chief Guest, the Secretary of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Commanders of Tri-Services, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, DG SIS of Pakistan and the Pakistan Defence Advisor.

The reception was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Shavindra Silva, Sri Lanka Army Commander Lieutenant  General Vikum Liyanage, Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piryantha Perera, Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal R.A.U.P. Rajapaksa,  DG SIS, Ambassadors/ High Commissioners from friendly nations, Senior Serving and Retired Officers of Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Defence Advisors/ Attachés, Officers of Pakistan High Commission, a large number of guests from different spheres of life and representatives of media.