Speaker recalls Pakistan’s help for Sri Lanka in fighting terrorism

A high-level delegation led by Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Karu Jayasuriya on Tuesday paid a visit to Punjab University as part of their cultural tour to Pakistan.

A 40-member Sri Lankan delegation comprising senior Buddhist priests, politicians, academicians and officials, participated in an interactive meeting arranged at the University Tuesday.

Vice Chancellor of Punjab Prof Dr. Mujahid Kamran, senior most Buddhist priest Dr. Ittapahans Dhammalankara Maha Nayaka, delegation’s leader and speaker oKaru Jayasuriya, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan, PU deans and heads of various departments were present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, Speaker Jayasuriya recalled that Pakistan had helped Sri Lanka in fighting terrorism and said relations between the two countries were enhancing.

The Speaker expressed pleasure that Sri Lankan students were studying at Punjab University and serving their homeland after completing their education.

Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had supported each other with no terms and conditions attached.

He said that the Pakistani High Commission in Colombo was creating awareness in Sri Lanka regarding Pakistan’s culture, tourism and sacred Buddhist places in Pakistan. He said that relations between the two countries must also be enhanced in the education sector.

The Sri Lanka Speaker also called on the Speaker of Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal at Assembly chambers in Lahore, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Matters pertaining to continuity of democracy in Pakistan, strengthening of institutions, freedom of media, were among a wide range of topics discussed during the meeting.

The Punjab Assembly speaker briefed the delegation about priorities of the Punjab government regarding elimination of poverty, under development, health, education and provision of other fundamental necessities to people.

Rana Iqbal said that exchange of delegations between the two countries would help in understanding the parliamentary legacy of both countries as well as legislation parameters.

The Speaker appreciated that both countries extended cooperation in health, science and technology, anti-drug campaigns, trade and fashion designing. 

Appreciating the Punjab Government’s measures in health, education and other sectors to facilitate people, the Sri Lankan Speaker said that his country would further accelerate the cooperation with Pakistan in trade and other sectors. (Colombopage)