Pakistan played substantial role in consolidating integrity of SriLanka: President Maithripala
Posted On June 9, 2015
General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who is on a 3 day official visit to Sri Lanka held extensive meetings with civil and military leadership of Sri Lanka.
COAS called on HE Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka in Colombo. During his meeting with COAS, President Maithripala thanked the people and armed forces of Pakistan for their unwavering support in their fight against terrorism, and partnering them in regional and bilateral security. Pakistan had played a substantial role in helping consolidate the integrity of SriLanka, he said.
President Maithripala Sirisena termed General Raheel Sharif’s visit very significant for further strengthening already existing strong relationship between both the militaries. President of Srilanka appreciated Pakistan army’s momentous achievements in ongoing Operation ZarbeAzb and sacrifices for regional peace and stability.
COAS expressed his appreciation for Sri Lankan Government, people and security forces in fighting menace of terrorism and progress made thereafter.
Later COAS also held separate meetings with Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mr Dinendra Ruwan Wijewardene, State minister for defence and Mr B M U D Basnayake, secretary of defence, General J. Jayasuriya, Chief of Defence services Srilanka Armed Forces and Air Marshall K A Gunatilleke, Commander Srilanka Air force. During these meetings Sri Lankan civil and military leadership vowed to enhance cooperation in multiple areas related to Defense and security including training exchanges in higher security studies, Peace keeping Operations, relief and disaster operations.
