Sri Lanka and Pakistan Enjoy Exceptionally Good Relations: Governor Punjab

The Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana said Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoy exceptionally good relations which are firmly standing on the pillars of mutual trust and respect.

Governor Punjab said this during a meeting with the high level Sri Lankan delegation comprising Speaker Sri Lankan Parliament Hon Karu Jayasuriya, senior Buddhist priests, politicians, academicians and officials at the Governor House, Lahore, last evening.  

He further said, the deep mutual love between the two peoples transcending any material bases is the essential ingredient of inherent strength of this special relationship which is further cemented by the commonality of eternal values of universal peace and love espoused both by Buddhism and Islam.

The delegation members thanked the Government of Pakistan for warm welcome and hospitality extended to them.

The delegation also had an interactive meeting with the deans and heads of various departments as well as faculty members of Punjab University at Al Raazi Hall of Undergraduate Block of the University. Vice Chancellor of the university Dr. Mujahid Kamran briefed the delegates about the university faculties.

While speaking on the occasion, Hon. Karu Jayasooriya said that the relationship between the two countries exists from times immemorial taking a firm shape through two thousand five hundred years old linkages established during the golden era of Gandhara civilization. Pakistan had helped Sri Lanka in difficult times especially during Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism which we cannot forget, he added.

Speaker Jayasuria said that it was a matter of pleasure that Sri Lankan students were studying at Punjab University and serving their homeland after completing their education. He said that relations between the two countries must also be enhanced in the education sector.

Deputy High Commissioner Dr Sarfraz Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had supported each other with no terms and conditions attached. He said, “Pakistani Embassy is creating awareness in Sri Lanka regarding Pakistan’s culture, tourism and sacred Buddhist places of Pakistan.”

Dr. Mujahid Kamran also presented a souvenir to Hon. Karu Jayasooriya to commemorate the visit.

The visiting delegation also met Minister of Human Rights and Minorities, Government of Punjab Mr. Khalil Tahir Sindhu and had a cordial discussion about matters of mutual interest.

The high level delegation of Sri Lankan Buddhist Monks and eminent scholars is currently in  Pakistan for a week-long visit aimed at introducing the rich Buddhist Gandhara heritage of Pakistan to the people of Sri Lanka as well as to revive the Gandhara trail.