COLOMBO : The Government and people of Pakistan extend their sincere and profound greetings of peace, harmony, and best wishes to the Government and people of Sri Lanka on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan’s National Day, observed annually on the 23rd of March. This message of goodwill reflects the deep-rooted and enduring friendship that has characterized the relationship between our two nations for over seven decades.
The 23rd of March, 1940, represents a watershed moment in the history of Pakistan. On this pivotal day, at its general session held in Lahore, the All-India Muslim League formally adopted the Lahore Resolution, which is also widely recognized as the Pakistan Resolution. This resolution articulated the aspiration of the Muslims of British India for the establishment of independent sovereign states where they could exercise their right to self-determination and preserve their distinct national identity, a concept rooted in the “two-nation theory”. The Lahore Resolution provided the fundamental ideological and political impetus that ultimately led to the creation of Pakistan as an independent nation in 1947. Annually observed on this date, Pakistan Day serves as a significant national holiday, commemorating not only the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940 but also the adoption of Pakistan’s first constitution on the 23rd of March in 1956, marking the nation’s transition to an Islamic Republic. This dual significance underscores the enduring importance of March 23rd in the national consciousness of Pakistan. To further symbolize this defining moment in the nation’s history, the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan, a towering monument situated in Iqbal Park, Lahore, stands as a powerful reminder of the aspirations and determination of the founding fathers.
Sri Lanka holds a distinguished position as one of the first nations with which Pakistan established formal diplomatic relations in 1948 . This early establishment of ties laid a robust foundation for the enduring friendship that has flourished between our two countries. The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in this relationship, as we celebrate the 77th anniversary of the steadfast bond between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Over the past seven decades, this foundational relationship, nurtured in the formative years of both nations, has evolved into a truly multi-dimensional partnership characterized by mutual trust, profound understanding, and extensive cooperation across a diverse array of sectors.
Since achieving independence, Pakistan has embarked on a journey of continuous progress across various sectors, demonstrating remarkable resilience and unwavering determination in the face of numerous challenges . The Government of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment, fully aware of the nation’s vast potential, to consistently pursue a path of peace and prosperity for all its citizens through a comprehensive and forward-looking social and economic development agenda. A key initiative in this endeavor is the “Uraan Pakistan” economic transformation plan, which aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth . Recent positive economic indicators offer a glimpse into the promising revival underway, including a notable decrease in inflation, a strengthening of foreign exchange reserves, encouraging growth in goods exports and the dynamic IT sector, and a marked improvement in overall investor confidence. Alongside these economic strides, Pakistan continues to prioritize advancements in key areas of social development, striving to improve access to essential services and enhance educational opportunities for all its people.
The enduring and mutually beneficial relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, deeply rooted in shared history and common aspirations, continue to be a source of profound satisfaction for both nations . This partnership has truly become multi-dimensional, encompassing a wide spectrum of crucial fields. In the realm of public diplomacy, Pakistan and Sri Lanka actively engage in parliamentary exchanges and maintain close cooperation on various global issues at multilateral forums, including the United Nations . Economic collaboration is a cornerstone of our ties, with the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) serving as a significant instrument in fostering increased bilateral trade.
The steadfast defense and security cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is another vital aspect of our relationship. Pakistan has historically provided significant support to Sri Lanka, particularly during its internal conflict, including the provision of crucial military training and equipment. Furthermore, both nations actively collaborate in the important domain of counter-terrorism . Enrichening cultural exchanges and a shared reverence for Buddhist heritage further strengthen the bonds between our people, exemplified by the exchange of cultural delegations and the exhibition of Gandhara artifacts from Pakistan in Sri Lanka . In the field of education, Pakistan offers valuable scholarships to Sri Lankan students in diverse fields of study, contributing to human capital development in Sri Lanka and fostering future understanding between our nations . Finally, strong sporting ties, particularly the unwavering support extended by Pakistan to Sri Lankan cricket over the years, serve as a powerful medium for fostering goodwill and camaraderie between our countries.
Taking this opportune moment, the Government of Pakistan warmly invites Sri Lankan investors and entrepreneurs to actively participate in the dynamic and unfolding socio-economic transformation currently underway in Pakistan . This presents an ideal and mutually beneficial opportunity for Sri Lankan businesses to explore new avenues of cooperation and forge stronger economic linkages between our two nations . Such collaborative ventures will undoubtedly be bilaterally rewarding, particularly in the present global context where the development of sustainable and resilient economic activities is of paramount importance . Key sectors within Pakistan that hold significant investment potential for Sri Lankan businesses include the thriving agriculture sector, the rapidly expanding IT and technology industry, the growing renewable energy sector, the well-established textile industry, the dynamic pharmaceuticals market, and the strategically located Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offering attractive incentives . The Government of Pakistan is committed to fostering a favorable investment climate through various policy initiatives and dedicated bodies such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to streamline processes and provide comprehensive support to foreign investors.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, I reiterate our unwavering commitment and steadfast support to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in their ongoing endeavors to achieve a bright, prosperous, and peaceful future for their beautiful nation . Throughout our shared history, Pakistan has consistently stood in solidarity with Sri Lanka, extending assistance in times of need, including support during internal challenges, provision of essential resources like fertilizers, and extending humanitarian aid during natural calamities.
Availing myself of this significant occasion, I extend our most heartfelt best wishes to the people, the esteemed leadership, and the Democratic Government of Sri Lanka for continued progress across all spheres of development, enduring peace and stability, strengthened national unity, sustained reconciliation efforts, and lasting harmony in the years to come.
Long Live Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship!
March 23, 2025
