Re-Union Dinner Pakistan National Defense University and Quetta Alumni Associations

Pakistan High Commission Colombo organized a Reunion Dinner for the Sri Lankan graduates of National Defence University, Islamabad, and Command and Staff College Quetta, under the umbrella of NDU and Quetta Association. The event was planned to coincide with the visit of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), to Sri Lanka. A large number of senior retired and serving officers of Sri Lankan Armed Forces attended the dinner.

Admiral Retired Jayanth Perera, former Sri Lankan Navy Commander and a senior graduate of NDU Pakistan, while speaking at the occasion expressed his gratitude for affording the opportunity to interact among the graduates and visiting CJCSC. Referring to Pakistan’s contribution in Sri Lanka’s humanitarian operations during the war against now defunct LTTE, he said two nations, have always enjoyed strong relations. He further added Sri Lanka would never forget the support extended by Pakistan in domestic as well as international fora through military and diplomatic channels. He highlighted the importance of alumni associations in reinforcing the shared values through active engagement and partnerships.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee who was the chief guest at the ceremony, while addressing the august gathering highlighted that Pakistan always takes pride in its close ties with Sri Lanka. He further said that both countries have a long history of close co-operation which has helped in strengthening relations in all fields and it is indeed matter of great satisfaction that bilateral relations are witnessing an upward trajectory.

He further said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defence. Both nations have assisted each other during the difficult times and this relationship has stood the test during the course of history of our two nations. The relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is based on mutual trust and commonality of interest in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. Pakistan has always supported the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Major General Retired Umar Farooq Burki, HI (M), High Commissioner of Pakistan while delivering vote of thanks, expressed that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for army, navy and air force. He hailed the ever-lasting friendly ties that prevail between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and renewed commitment to work ever closely in order to boost mutual cooperation in all fields. He highlighted that Pakistan is committed to capacity building of Sri Lankan Armed Forces as done in the past through training and assistance in military equipment.

The ceremony was also attended by General retired De Silva, Former Army Commander and HC to Pakistan, General retired Weerasoriya, Former Army Commander and HC to Pakistan and Admiral Retired Ravi Wijigoonaratne, Former CDS. The evening culminated with a group photo of the participants.

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