Peaceful Sri Lanka has achieved significant development: Pakistan Army Chief

The Chief of Pakistan Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa says Sri Lanka has achieved significant development due to the prevailing peaceful environment.     

He made these remarks when he met with President Maithripala Sirisena during his tour to Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday.

General Bajwa recalled the historic tour made by the Sri Lankan cricket team to Pakistan in a background where other countries stayed away from Pakistan and further stated that Sri Lanka was a true friend to Pakistan. 

The President also recalled the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and extended his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for providing its fullest support to Sri Lanka, including training facilities for the members of the Sri Lankan security forces, especially during the past war.

President Sirisena mentioned the generous support received from Pakistan when Sri Lanka confronted deadly natural disasters and praised the commitment made by Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The President also appreciated the support extended by Pakistan to Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council.

The Chief of Pakistan Army Staff apprised the President of his country’s current security situation and said that they were making a great effort to consolidate peace within the country and it would be achieved in the near future. 

He also praised the professionalism of the Sri Lankan forces and promised to provide all possible assistance for the further development of the Sri Lankan forces. 

Sri Lanka’s Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat, also participated in the cordial discussions.