(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)
Sri Lanka says Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a long history of very cordial and friendly relations and both countries share commonality of views on a wide range of international and regional issues.
Speaker Karu Jayasooriya said that both nations coordinate their positions in multilateral fora and have been helpful to each other during difficult times.
The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been linked since ancient times, a link which is now 2,300 years old. In 1948, shortly after Independence of Sri Lanka, this link was revived and reborn when the founding father of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake travelled to Pakistan to meet the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He underscored that whenever Pakistan needed; Sri Lanka has always been there. Similarly whenever Sir Lanka needed Pakistan, Pakistan has always been there.
Dr. Sarfraz Sipra was addressing the launching ceremony of book 'An Enduring Friendship; Sri Lanka and Pakistan' which was organized by the High Commission of Pakistan on the occasion of 70th independence anniversary of Pakistan.
Speaker Karu Jayasooriya has graced the occasion as the chief guest. Guests of honour included former Sri Lankan Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister for International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama, Minister for Commerce and Industry Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister for Primary Industries Daya Gamage, Minister of State for National Integration and Reconciliation A.H.M. Fowzie, Minister of State for Rehabilitation and Resettlement M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Deputy Minister for Petroleum Resources Development Anoma Gamage, and Former Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris.
Heads of diplomatic Missions, renowned scholars, representatives of universities, think tanks, and analysts, senior government officials, former Sri Lankan Ambassadors and a large number of people from difference walks of life attended the ceremony as distinguished guests.
Acting High Commissioner Dr. Sarfraz Sipra emphasized that bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been an important part of this region.
"It needs to be comprehensively studied and evaluated. The book narrates the story of this beautiful relationship in a beautiful manner. A story most people would love it. Although it is written by a Sri Lankan author, it reflects the value of both countries. This book will serve to identify areas of further cooperation for younger generations between the two nations. The book has futuristic outlook by suggesting innovative approaches that need to be adopted for reinforcing happily existing friendly Pak-Lanka ties," he added.
On the occasion, author of the book Arshad Cassim briefed the audience about the book and said that the book narrates the story of a friendship rapidly evolving in a non-military context, following the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka. It explores the potential for greater economic and cultural cooperation.
Editor of the book, Dr. SinhaRaja Tammita Delgoda thanked the Government of Pakistan, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka for recognizing the value of this initiative. Their interest and support has enabled this project to reach fruition and made this publication possible. (Colombo Gazette)
MENAFN1508201701900000ID1095733066
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.