Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoy exceptionally good relations: Punjab Governor

The Governor of 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. 

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

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 the 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, Karu Jayasuriya said that the relationship between the two countries exists from times immemorial taking a firm shape through 2,500 years old linkages established during the golden era of the Gandhara civilisation. Pakistan had helped Sri Lanka in difficult times especially during Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism which we cannot forget, he added.

Speaker Jayasuriya 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, “The 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 Karu Jayasuriya to commemorate the visit.

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