ISLAMABAD: Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka has launched a book named “An Enduring Friendship; Sri Lanka and Pakistan” on the 70th anniversary of Pakistan.
According to a message received here, addressing the ceremony, Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been linked since ancient times, a link which is now 2,300 years old.
“In 1948, shortly after Independence of Sri Lanka, this link was revived and reborn when the founding father of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Senanayake travelled to Pakistan to meet the founding father of Pakistan, Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said.
He underscored that whenever Pakistan was in need, Sri Lanka has always been there. Similarly, whenever Sir Lanka needed Pakistan, Pakistan has always been there.
“The book narrates the story of this beautiful relationship in a beautiful manner. Although it is written by a Sri Lankan author, it reflects the value of both countries. The book has futuristic outlook by suggesting innovative approaches that need to be adopted for reinforcing happily existing friendly Pak-Lanka ties,” he added.
On the occasion, author of the book Arshad Cassim briefed the audience about the book and said that the book narrates the story of a friendship rapidly evolving in a non-military context, following the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka.
The editor of the book, Sinha Raja Tammita Delgoda thanked Government of Pakistan, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka for recognising the value of this initiative.
Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament Hon Karu Jayasooriya attended the event as chief guest, guests of honour included former Sri Lankan Presidents Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister for International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama, Minister for Commerce and Industry Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister for Primary Industries Daya Gamage, Minister of State for National Integration and Reconciliation Fowzie, Minister of State for Rehabilitation and Resettlement M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Deputy Minister for Petroleum Resources Development Anoma Gamage, and Former Foreign Minister Professor G.L. Peiris.
Heads of Diplomatic Missions, renowned scholars, representatives of universities, think tanks, and analysts, senior government officials, former Sri Lankan Ambassadors and a large number of people from different walks of life attended the ceremony as distinguished guests.
Acting High Commissioner Dr Sarfraz Sipra emphasised that bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been an important part of this region.
Speaker Parliament Karu Jayasooriya said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a long history of very cordial and friendly relations. Two countries share the commonality of views on a wide range of international and regional issues.
Both nations coordinate their positions in multilateral fora and have been helpful to each other during difficult times, he underscored.
He thanked the government of Pakistan for the project of such nature and praised the efforts of High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka for successfully completing the project.
The occasion was exciting and electrical as Sri Lanka and Pakistani music was played to respect the national cultures which the audience highly appreciated.
