ISLAMABAD, AUG 29 /DNA/ – Rear Admiral (R) H.L.A. Don Fred Seneviratne, the newly appointed High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, at his official residence today. Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was also present on the occasion.
Chairman Senate warmly congratulated the High Commissioner on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities and extended best wishes for a successful tenure in Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the historic ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared history and spanning over seven decades, would be further strengthened through enhanced cooperation in diverse fields.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized that Pakistan regards Sri Lanka as a trusted partner and an important country in South Asia. “The brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka stand as a model of mutual trust, respect, and collaboration,” he noted.
Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, the Chairman stressed the need to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to achieve collective prosperity, peace, and connectivity. He observed that SAARC must regain its true potential for the socio-economic uplift of the region.
Reflecting on his earlier official visits to Sri Lanka, Chairman Gilani underlined that leadership-level exchanges reaffirm the warmth of bilateral relations and must continue to expand in the future.
On defence cooperation, Chairman Senate highlighted the importance of strong military-to-military ties between the two countries. He noted ongoing collaboration in high-level visits, professional training, and equipment support, and called for further expansion in these areas.
Cultural and educational cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting cultural linkages, preserving shared Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, and the Swat Valley, and strengthening people-to-people contacts. He also emphasized Pakistan’s role in human resource development by providing scholarships and training opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
While commending Sri Lanka’s resilience in overcoming post-COVID economic challenges, Gilani lauded the country’s recovery efforts and effective policies that have set it on a path to stability and growth.
Discussing regional issues, Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistan’s consistent stance on peace and cooperation in South Asia. He stressed that long-standing disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue, must be resolved in accordance with the principles of justice and international commitments. “War does not bring peace; true peace comes through justice and fairness,” he stated, while urging India to fulfill its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s policy of peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with all neighbors. He underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary and cultural exchanges, including through the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other multilateral forums. He also extended an invitation for Sri Lankan leadership to participate in the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, scheduled to be held in November 2025 in Pakistan.
High Commissioner Seneviratne appreciated the warm welcome and concurred with the views expressed by the Chairman Senate. He stated that Sri Lanka values Pakistan as an important regional partner and is committed to diversifying bilateral ties across multiple sectors. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role at the regional and global levels. Highlighting the presence of significant Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan, the High Commissioner pointed to the vast potential for promoting religious tourism, given Sri Lanka’s large Buddhist population.
The meeting concluded with Chairman Senate extending his best wishes to the High Commissioner for a successful tenure and a pleasant stay in Pakistan.
