MOHAMMED RASOOLDEEN
COLOMBO: Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations are standing firmly on the pillars of mutual trust, respect and desire to promote friendship, Pakistan High Commissioner, Major General (R) Umar Farooq Burki, said here on Tuesday, March 29.
The envoy was addressing the guests at the 81st National Day Celebrations held at the Shangri La Hotel on Tuesday. March 29
A galaxy of guests comprising ministers, parliamentarians, distinguished Sri Lankans and members of the diplomatic corps were present. Deputy Chief of Mission Tanweer Ahamed, Hony Consul for Pakistan Afzal Marikar and Press Attache of the mission Kalsoom Jailani were also present.
Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena was the government representative who officiated on behalf of the president of Sri Lanka at the event.
Speaking further, the envoy recalled that on 23rd March 1940 was the day, when the Muslims of the subcontinent through their collective will expressed unflinching resolve to create a separate homeland for themselves wherein they could live their lives in accordance with their traditions, values and culture. Through their tireless struggle and commitment, with the blessing of Allah Almighty and under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, they achieved their objective with the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
The modern day Pakistan and Sri Lanka relations date back to the formative years of our two countries. The foundation of this strong friendship was laid back in 1948 when the former Prime Minister of the then Ceylon Mr. D.S. Senanayke visited Pakistan.
Pakistan prides itself to be the motherland of the glorious Gandhara Buddhist civilization. The relationship between the two people exists from times immemorial taking a firm shape through two thousand five hundred years old linkages established during the golden era of Gandhara and Buddhism. The deep mutual love between our two countries is the essential ingredient of the inherent strength of this special relationship. It is further cemented by the commonality of eternal values of universal peace and love espoused both by Buddhism and Islam.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are located at two global strategic junctions on the land and maritime silk routes respectively that had always been the meeting places of global civilizations, trade and cultures. The importance of both countries has increased tremendously in modern times for promoting cultural, civilizational and trade dialogue among the nations of the world.
This relationship is independent of any compulsions. High level visits, exchanges and multiple institutionalized mechanisms continuously provide renewed vigour to propel and expand the relationship to newer heights. The testament for that is the grand welcome which the Prime Minister of Pakistan received from the Sri Lankan government on his recent visit to Sri Lanka.
Our relationship is comprehensive spanning bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and supportive of each other at the regional and international level.
While we thank Sri Lanka’s unconditional support to Pakistan for its candidatures at the international organizations, we also feel privileged to have consistently and steadfastly helped sisterly Sri Lanka at the international forums. I would like to assure the people of Sri Lanka that Pakistan would always be standing beside them without any strings attached.
