{"id":59267,"date":"2026-02-10T11:36:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T11:36:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=59267"},"modified":"2026-02-10T21:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T21:48:08","slug":"78th-independence-day-of-sri-lanka-in-islamabad-high-commission-hosts-grand-reception-minister-highlights-importance-of-the-country-for-pakistan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/78th-independence-day-of-sri-lanka-in-islamabad-high-commission-hosts-grand-reception-minister-highlights-importance-of-the-country-for-pakistan\/","title":{"rendered":"78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka in Islamabad | High Commission Hosts Grand Reception | Minister Highlights Importance of the Country for Pakistan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-59291\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sri-Lanka-Independence-Day-Islamabad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"693\" height=\"428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sri-Lanka-Independence-Day-Islamabad.jpg 693w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sri-Lanka-Independence-Day-Islamabad-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sri-Lanka-Independence-Day-Islamabad-356x220.jpg 356w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Sri-Lanka-Independence-Day-Islamabad-680x420.jpg 680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 693px) 100vw, 693px\" \/><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The South Asian , Island country of very hospitble people and eye catching sights, a remarkable tourist destination, Sri Lanka celebrated her 78th Independence Day on 04 Feb 2026 with traditional determination of taking the homeland to high place in the world and safeguard the soverignity and integritiy of the state.<\/p>\n<p>High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Islamabad celebrated the auspicious day on 04 Feb at the high commission with staff and countrymen living in Pakistan. Later , a grand reception was hosted by the High Commissioner , Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne at Serena Hotels on 09 Feb 2026.<\/p>\n<p>High level contacts between the two countries took place in the meanwhile. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a message of falicitations to his Sri Lankan counterpart while President Sril Lanka held a telephone contact with PM Shehbaz on T20 participation of Pakistan. Finally PM Shehbaz took decision and now Pakistan will play in the world cup being hosted by Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n<p>At the reception,Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar was the chief guest while a large number of other gov and military officials were also present. Additional Secretary MOFA Hamid Asghar Khan, Chairman Pakistan and Africa Institute for Development and Research Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Coordinator to PM on tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas, Honorary Consul in Lahore Yasin Joyia, Chairman Gujranwala Business Center Ahmad Ikram Lone were prominent among them.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"RAL4AWWNef\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/high-commission-of-sri-lanka-in-islamabad-celebrates-the-78th-anniversary-of-sri-lankas-independence\/\">High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad Celebrates the 78th Anniversary of Sri Lanka\u2019s Independence<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad Celebrates the 78th Anniversary of Sri Lanka\u2019s Independence&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/high-commission-of-sri-lanka-in-islamabad-celebrates-the-78th-anniversary-of-sri-lankas-independence\/embed\/#?secret=BABNF7hPhX#?secret=RAL4AWWNef\" data-secret=\"RAL4AWWNef\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The host high commissioner, in his welcome address, shared the history of the struggle of his nation for independence from colonial rule. He briefed the guests about the development of his country achieved in various sectors since the independence. He spoke highly on bilateral relations and cooperation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The high commissioner said, &#8220;Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoy a long-standing and time-tested relationship, built on trust, mutual understanding, and shared values. The most recent example of this enduring bond was the prompt action taken by the Government of Pakistan following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah in December last year, including the dispatch of 200 tons of relief supplies by sea, as well as a C-130 aircraft carrying additional relief items and rescue teams.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sri Lanka | Independence | Day | Celebration | Islamabad \" width=\"696\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_lhQWGrJPB4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>H.E enlightened the participants on Sri Lanka\u2019s foreign policy that , he said, continues to be guided by the principles of non-alignment, constructive engagement, and mutual respect. We value cordial relations with all countries and firmly believe that dialogue and partnership are essential for addressing regional and global challenges. In this spirit, Sri Lanka continues to work closely with Pakistan and all other friendly nations to promote peace, development, and prosperity.<\/p>\n<div dir=\"auto\">Mr. Senevirathne proudly stated that Sri Lanka is undergoing a significant and positive transformation. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the newly elected government is implementing meaningful reforms to strengthen democratic governance and public institutions. The people of Sri Lanka have clearly expressed their expectations for transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, and the present government is fully committed to meeting that responsibility.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\">&#8221; As a result of these reforms, Sri Lanka\u2019s economy is demonstrating renewed momentum. Economic stability is strengthening, investor confidence is improving, and key sectors\u2014including trade, tourism, and investment\u2014are recovering steadily. Importantly, the country\u2019s political environment remains stable, peaceful, and democratic, providing a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth, the high commissioner noted.<\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<div dir=\"auto\"><\/div>\n<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-59325\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya-1-300x126.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Minister Attaullah Tarar, in his keynore address, lauded the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, describing it as a \u201ctime-tested\u201d bond that continues to grow stronger. He extended heartfelt felicitations to the Sri Lankan government and its people.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cSri Lanka means a great deal to Pakistan and its people,\u201d the minister said, noting that both nations have consistently supported each other through thick and thin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDuring the cricket series recently, I was speaking to His Excellency Rear-Admiral H.L.A. Don Fred Seneviratne and told him that I am the self-appointed tourism ambassador of Sri Lanka,\u201d said the minister while recalling his visit to various tourist destinations including Sigiriya Rock, golden sandy beech of Hikkaduwa and beautiful tree plantation of kandy.<\/p>\n<p>He praised the resilience and determination of the people of Sri Lanka that had allowed the nation to overcome the menace of terrorism. \u201cToday, we see a peaceful and beautiful Sri Lanka that has become a premier destination for global tourism,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSri Lanka is the best destination for tourism and people should definitely visit,\u201d the minister remarked.<\/p>\n<p>Recalling his meetings with President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the minister called him patriotic and a cricket enthusiast.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"Zl2MXmKjZB\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-ready-to-participate-in-t20-world-cup-2025-will-play-against-india-sri-lankan-presidents-engagement-with-pm-shehbaz-comes-fruitful\/\">Pakistan Ready to Participate in T20 World Cup 2025 | Will Play Against India | Sri Lankan President&#8217;s Engagement with PM Shehbaz Comes Fruitful<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Pakistan Ready to Participate in T20 World Cup 2025 | Will Play Against India | Sri Lankan President&#8217;s Engagement with PM Shehbaz Comes Fruitful&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-ready-to-participate-in-t20-world-cup-2025-will-play-against-india-sri-lankan-presidents-engagement-with-pm-shehbaz-comes-fruitful\/embed\/#?secret=CxwbbUubpL#?secret=Zl2MXmKjZB\" data-secret=\"Zl2MXmKjZB\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed cordial relations since decades, he said, highlighting the relief support extended by Pakistan to Sri Lanka recently after an adverse cyclone named Ditwah hit the country.<\/p>\n<p>Both countries have enjoyed excellent economic relations, he said, noting that Sri Lanka was the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan in August 2002, which became operational from June 2005.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRecently, both countries held 13th Joint Economic Commission, and 8th Secretary Commerce-level talks in Colombo,\u201d Atta Tarar stated.<\/p>\n<p>He said Pakistan has been a proud partner of Sri Lankan armed forces especially in enhancing their capacity and allocation in training institutions. \u201cMany senior officers in Sri Lankan armed forces have attended trainings in Pakistan and we have also helped Sri Lanka to deal with the challenge of LTTE insurgency back in the days.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-59327\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya.jpg 400w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Yaseen-Joiyya-100x70.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>\u201cI have no doubt that our relations will grow from strength to strength in the times to come,\u201d he said while congratulating the government and people of Sri Lanka on their independence day.<\/p>\n<p>The minister expressed the hope that Sri Lanka would grow economically and its tourism sector would boom further. He assured the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka that the people of Pakistan would always stand by his country. The minister also expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka for supporting Pakistan cricket.<\/p>\n<p>Recalling the fond and joyous memories cricket had brought to the region, Atta Tarar said he had witnessed the world cup of 1996 in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore where former captain of Sri Lankan cricket team Arjuna Ranatunga lifted the trophy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>The high commission screened documentaries consisting of the tourism potential of the country and development in different spheres of life including the well being of the people and promotion of peace and stability in the region.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Traditional , cultural performances, demonstrated in video format\u00a0 touched the hearts of the guests. The artists of Sri Lanka presented various colors of their heritage and rich civilization including dresses, ornaments, dances and music.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"AitWTUO4Ee\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-january-2026\/\">Pakistan in the World \u2013 January 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Pakistan in the World \u2013 January 2026&#8221; &#8212; Pakistan In the World\" src=\"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/pakistan-in-the-world-january-2026\/embed\/#?secret=ep5fA5SFxQ#?secret=AitWTUO4Ee\" data-secret=\"AitWTUO4Ee\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Report : Tazeen Akhtar | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid\u00a0 The South Asian , Island country of very hospitble people and eye catching sights, a remarkable tourist destination, Sri Lanka celebrated her 78th Independence Day on 04 Feb 2026 with traditional determination of taking the homeland to high place in the world and safeguard the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":59291,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[355,1545,251,2537,48,2536],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59267"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59267"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59267\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59345,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59267\/revisions\/59345"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}