Rawalpindi, 22 February 2022 (TDI): Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Commander of Sri Lankan Navy called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security, and the current Afghanistan situation were discussed. COAS said that Pakistan wishes to enhance long-term multi-domain relations with Sri Lanka based on common interests.
COAS reiterated that all regional countries need to work collectively for enduring peace and stability. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and vowed to continue military cooperation between two Forces in defense, training, and counter-terrorism domains.
He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation, special efforts for border management, and role in regional stability.
PAKISTAN-SRI LANKA RELATIONS
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1948. Furthermore, Pakistan has a High Commission in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has an Embassy in Islamabad. In 1948, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka visited Pakistan for the first time.
In 2011, Pakistan presented the Government of Sri Lanka with several Buddhist relics from Pakistan’s past. The country also offers Sri Lankan students several scholarships to pursue the subjects of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and engineering. Those scholarships are due to Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP).
Then in 2012, Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed a credit line for US$200 million between the three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In that same year, Sri Lankan Airlines invited Pakistan International Airlines to operate more flights to Sri Lanka.
The exports of Pakistan in 2019 amount to $323 million, and those of Sri Lanka in 2019 amount to $61 million.
Moreover, in 2018, Pakistani Army Chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Sri Lanka. The reason for the two-day official visit was the invitation from his counterpart. Later in 2021, the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Sri Lanka also.
During that visit, Imran Khan offered a $50 million line of credit to Sri Lanka for defense purchases. Pakistan has also provided military training to the Sri Lankan armed forces, and both also have joint military exercises.
They also offered Sri Lanka training for intelligence gathering, and to provide training to the Sri Lanka Police and State Intelligence Service (SIS) officers. Later in 2015, Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed a nuclear energy deal.
