Sri Lankan 78th Independence Day Celebrated in Islamabad; Pak-Sri Lanka Cultural Ties Highlighted
Minister Attaullah Tarar Extends Warm Greetings on 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka
High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne Calls for Continued Dialogue and Partnership to Promote Regional Peace
Islamabad – 11 February 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : The Sri Lankan High Commission in Pakistan hosted a grand reception in Islamabad to commemorate the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, highlighting the enduring friendship and close cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The event was also attended by diplomats, dignitaries, senior officials from Pakistan’s three armed services, and members of the Sri Lankan community, reflecting the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries. The minister was warmly received by Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne and officials of the High Commission.
Addressing the gathering, Attaullah Tarar extended warm congratulations to the government and people of Sri Lanka on behalf of Pakistan. He said Pakistan highly values its historic, brotherly, and time-tested relationship with Sri Lanka, noting that both nations have consistently supported each other in times of need.
The minister underscored that Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy close cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including the economy, culture, education, and sports—particularly cricket and professional training. He said Pakistan has been a proud partner in strengthening the capabilities of Sri Lanka’s armed forces and continues to offer a significant number of free training seats for Sri Lankan professionals in Pakistani institutions. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, Tarar expressed the desire to further deepen and strengthen bilateral ties.
In his address, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne reflected on Sri Lanka’s journey since gaining independence on February 4, 1948. He recalled the island nation’s 2,500-year history, including centuries of colonial rule, and paid tribute to the resilience of the Sri Lankan people in overcoming terrorism, natural disasters, and a severe economic crisis.
The high commissioner said Sri Lanka’s foreign policy remains guided by the principles of non-alignment, constructive engagement, and mutual respect. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and partnership in addressing regional and global challenges and reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan and other friendly nations to promote peace, development, and prosperity.
Highlighting recent progress, he noted that Sri Lanka is witnessing a positive transformation, marked by improving economic stability, growing investor confidence, and steady recovery in key sectors such as trade, tourism, and investment. He added that political stability and democratic continuity provide a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Concluding his remarks, the high commissioner thanked Pakistan and the international community for their solidarity and support, congratulated Sri Lankan nationals living in Pakistan, and urged them to uphold the values of freedom, equality, and justice.
“Long live Sri Lanka–Pakistan relations,” he declared, underscoring the enduring friendship and shared aspirations of the two nations.
