Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday, 11 February 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Islamabad: ‘The pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka, is Pakistan’s closest and friendliest country in the South Asian region. The growing relations between them, particularly after 1999, have been further cemented in the fields of economic, trade and defence and rich Buddhist culture pastures in Sri Lanka which has strong links in Pakistan. So, culturally and historically, both the states have close proximity. Pakistan has stood by Sri Lanka in its hours of need.
After the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka, Pakistan congratulated Sri Lanka and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hussein A. Bhaila of Sri Lanka called Pakistan a true friend, saying:
“The Government and the people of Sri Lanka have considered Pakistan as a true friend of Sri Lanka, which has always stood by it in times of need...”
Last Thursday, the Sri Lankan High Commission in Pakistan along with Air Chief Marshal (retd.) Jayalath Weerakkody, High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, staged a grand show to share greetings and happy moments with his Pakistani well-wishers on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s 65th National Day.
On invitation, a large Pakistani community belonging to different segments of society, including members of diplomatic corps in Islamabad, assembled in a hall at a local hotel where Akram Gill, Minister of State for Interfaith Harmony was the Chief Guest, representing the Pakistani government.
Politicians, students, businessmen and media were part of the show.
It was an amazing gathering as they settled in groups to discuss political developments in Pakistan and Pakistan-Sri Lankan relations after the ceremonial events of playing of the national anthems of both countries and cutting of cake by the High Commissioner, Chief Guest and other eminent personalities.
Jayalath Weerakkody, who enjoyed a brilliant career as head of the Sri Lankan Air Force, has struggled in Pakistan as High Commissioner, bringing both the states closer to each other on all fronts. He encouraged chambers of commerce in Pakistan to invest in the country which has literacy rate on the higher side in South Asia.
Due to his good nature, he earned a large constituency of friends in official and non-official circles. The High Commissioner, who was the drive behind the celebrations, greeted his guests and extended warm hospitality to them. Sri Lanka’s traditional dishes were part of the show and were enjoyed by the guests. Pakistan has extended financial assistance to Sri Lanka. Both the states are cooperating on the world stage in promoting peace and harmony.
Pakistan is Sri Lanka’s second largest trading partner in South Asia. It was also the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Islamabad. Bilateral trade is growing which is expected to attain new heights in the days to come.
