On Friday, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Admiral (R) Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, expressed Sri Lanka’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s unparalleled support in combating terrorism. Speaking at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) seminar on “Building on Pakistan-Sri Lanka Cooperation” in Islamabad, Ambassador Wijegunaratne underscored the unique bond between the two nations.
He highlighted the historical context, recalling how Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female premier, provided safe passage and airspace permission to Pakistan during the 1971 war, despite her close ties with India’s Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Ambassador Wijegunaratne noted that Sri Lanka endured a thirty-year-long war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and Pakistan’s support during this conflict was unmatched. He remarked, “No nation supported us like Pakistan in this war, and we have the memory of elephants to keep it intact in our minds.”
The Ambassador emphasized the strong military ties between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the Sri Lankan military, which played a crucial role in the war against the LTTE.
He also pointed out Sri Lanka’s demographic composition, with 74% Buddhists, 16% Muslims, and the rest comprising Hindus. Highlighting the potential for tourism, he suggested that Pakistan, rich in Gandhara civilization sites, could attract the global Buddhist community, thereby benefiting its tourism sector and national economy.
Ambassador Wijegunaratne proudly mentioned Sri Lanka’s status as the largest exporter of eye corneas, having donated around 88,000 corneas globally, with over 36,000 sent to Pakistan. “Every Sri Lankan writes in their last will to donate their eyes to a Pakistani, if possible,” he added.
Reflecting on the cultural connections, he stated that cricket is a religion in Sri Lanka and expressed the nation’s enthusiasm for seeing Pakistan’s green shirts compete against Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team in the Asia Cup semi-finals, with hopes for Pakistan defeating India in the finals.
He also noted the economic cooperation facilitated by the free trade agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which allows for 120 items to be traded without tax. He stressed the need for direct flights between the two countries to boost tourism and business ties.
The Ambassador praised the LOLC microfinance bank of Sri Lanka, which has 85 branches in Pakistan, including one in the capital, supporting small entrepreneurs, particularly women.
In his opening remarks, IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem acknowledged the historically cordial relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka since their independence. He emphasized the significant mutual support during times of conflict and peace and the potential for increased trade and investment cooperation.
Ambassador Seema Elahi Baloch, former high commissioner to Sri Lanka, highlighted Sri Lanka’s support during the dengue outbreak in Punjab and stressed the importance of defense cooperation and expanding the current $1 billion trade volume to $2.7 billion. She underscored the potential for joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, ayurveda, plastics, and textiles.
She called for enhanced media and cultural exchanges to foster better relations and promote economic cooperation through public diplomacy.
Former Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Major General (R) Saad Khattak, discussed the geography, demography, history, defense collaboration, and economic engagement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, highlighting the need to enhance the current trade volume of $400-500 million despite the FTA.
Prof. Dr. Shaheen Akhtar from National Defence University (NDU) shared her positive experiences in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the grassroots admiration for Pakistan and the potential for full-scale cooperation in trade and investment, particularly in textiles.
DG South Asia and SAARC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Illyas Mehmood Nizami, praised Sri Lanka’s human development achievements and the strong political goodwill between the two nations. He highlighted the first FTA Pakistan signed with Sri Lanka and the ongoing efforts to promote Buddhism and shared history through international symposiums.
The seminar underscored the robust and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, highlighting areas for further cooperation and mutual benefit.
Source: APP
