Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday, 17 February 2026 04:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said the visit of Pakistani Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, together with the arrival of the Pakistan national cricket team in Sri Lanka, has further strengthened the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The President made these remarks when Minister Naqvi called on him yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
He also commended Pakistan’s timely assistance to Sri Lanka during Cyclone Ditwah and recalled the consistent support extended by Pakistan whenever Sri Lanka has faced challenges.
Minister Naqvi stated that the decision for the Pakistan cricket team to tour Sri Lanka was made following a direct telephone call from President Dissanayake to the Pakistani Prime Minister. He noted that the President’s personal request was instrumental in confirming the team’s participation in the T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka.
Conveying the Prime Minister’s gratitude, Minister Naqvi also extended an official invitation for President Dissanayake to visit Pakistan later this year. He expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Sri Lanka and the strong support demonstrated by the Sri Lankan public.
Both sides agreed to pursue further detailed discussions on expanding cooperation in tourism, investment, labour market initiatives, and broader economic engagement in the period ahead.
