By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Karachi, Sanjeeva Pattiwila, has conveyed warm greetings to the government and people of Pakistan on the country’s National Day, expressing hopes for peace, prosperity, stability and continued progress.
Pattiwila said Sri Lanka and Pakistan shared a longstanding friendship based on mutual respect, trust, goodwill and strong people-to-people ties. He said the relationship had grown into a broad partnership spanning diplomacy, trade and investment, defence and security, education, culture, tourism and sports.
He described Pakistan as a trusted friend and partner in South Asia, highlighting close defence ties, growing economic relations, cultural exchanges and sporting links between the two countries.
Referring to the shared passion for cricket, the Sri Lankan diplomat said the sport had played an important role in bringing the peoples of Sri Lanka and Pakistan closer together. He said there was considerable scope to expand trade, investment, tourism and business-to-business cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Pattiwila said the friendship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan had stood the test of time, adding that genuine friendship was reflected not only in celebrations but also in solidarity, understanding and support during difficult times.
“Sri Lanka therefore reaffirms that Pakistan can always count on Sri Lanka as a true friend and trusted partner,” he said. As Pakistan celebrates its National Day, Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening bilateral ties and working with Pakistan to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region, he added.
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Karachi extended its best wishes to the people of Pakistan for a peaceful, prosperous and successful future.
