Deputy Youth Affairs and Sports Minister meets Pakistan Federal Minister

Monday, 24 November 2025 03:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Deputy Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne (left) shakes hands with Pakistani Information and Broadcasting Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar

Pakistani Information and Broadcasting Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar recently met with Deputy Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sugath Thilakaratne. The meeting was also attended by Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral (Retd.) Fred Seneviratne, Deputy High Commissioner Christie Robin, and Minister Counsellor – Defence Brigadier G.A.K.R. Gunaratne.

Detailed discussions were held on the promotion of cricket, mutual cooperation in sports, and bilateral ties. Both countries agreed to further expand cooperation in the sports sector, recognising it as an effective means of promoting people-to-people contact.

The Federal Minister stated that relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are built on trust, respect, and shared values. He emphasised that collaboration in the field of sports not only brings the younger generation closer, but also further strengthens the bond between the peoples of both nations. Tarar highlighted that Pakistan is undertaking serious measures to promote sports diplomacy in the region and expressed gratitude to the Government and leadership of Sri Lanka for their cooperation in the development of sports.

The Federal Minister noted that the Deputy Minister’s visit to Pakistan, despite the Budget session of the Sri Lankan Parliament, is a clear manifestation of the longstanding friendly and trusting relationship between the two countries. He expressed hope that this visit will pave new avenues for bilateral relations, particularly in the sectors of sports and youth.

The Sri Lankan delegation appreciated the excellent arrangements made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the Tri-Nation Series. It was mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had thanked the Sri Lankan cricket team and the Government of Sri Lanka during a luncheon hosted for the Tri-Nation teams the previous day. The Sri Lankan delegation commended the high standard of hospitality shown by Pakistan and its commitment to the promotion of sports diplomacy.

The Sri Lankan delegation will also be attending the matches of the Tri-Nation Series being held in Pakistan.