24.3.16
Both
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have intensified engagement and undertaken
substantive measures to further deepen and broaden the bilateral
economic and political relationship, said the High Commissioner of
Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. Syed Shakeel Hussain.
The High Commissioner made these remarks
addressing the ceremony held at High Commission of Pakistan in Sri
Lanka yesterday (23rd March) to mark the 76th National Day of Pakistan.
The event was celebrated by the High Commission and the Pakistani
community based in Sri Lanka.
In his message on the occasion, High
Commissioner Shakeel Hussain expressed satisfaction on the traditionally
close and mutually beneficial relationship between the two friendly
nations in all fields like diplomatic, political, commercial, defence,
people to people contacts and cultural exchanges.
“The process of bilateral cooperation
has been greatly assisted by increased interaction both at the level of
people and the highest government functionaries of the two countries”,
he added.
Construction of schools, hospitals,
houses for IDPs, clean drinking water supply projects, livelihood
generation, setting up computer training centres, upgrading health in
rural areas and providing scholarships to needy children are some of the
social Sector development projects engaged by the government of
Pakistan in Sri Lanka.
According to the High Commissioner both
sides are in process of refining the Free Trade Agreement, expanding the
portfolio of trade able items and encouraging bilateral investment.
“Recently concluded Pakistan Single country Exhibition in Colombo has
contributed in promoting Pakistan – Sri Lanka economic relations by
diversifying the existing trade patterns”, he added.
The National Day of Pakistan is annually
celebrated on the 23rd March to commemorate the most outstanding
achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic
“Pakistan Resolution” on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in
creation of New Country-Pakistan after 7 years.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy
High Commissioner Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra, members of Sri Lanka
Pakistan Business Council, Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship trade and
investment Association, Government functionaries, Ambassadors, prominent
Sri Lankan personalities, Pakistani community in Sri Lanka and people
from various walks of life including a large section of media.
