High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd.) paid a courtesy call on Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, at his official residence on 29 August 2025. Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was also present on the occasion.
Chairman Senate extended warm congratulations to the High Commissioner on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities and extended best wishes for a successful tenure in Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the historic ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared history and spanning over seven decades, would be further strengthened through enhanced cooperation in diverse fields.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasized that Pakistan regards Sri Lanka as a trusted partner and an important country in South Asia. “The brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka stand as a model of mutual trust, respect, and collaboration,” he noted.
Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, the Chairman stressed the need to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to achieve collective prosperity, peace, and connectivity that comes through justice and fairness.
Cultural and educational cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting cultural linkages, preserving shared Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, and the Swat Valley, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.
Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s policy of peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with all neighbours. He underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary and cultural exchanges, including through the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other multilateral forums.
He also extended an invitation for Sri Lankan political leadership to participate in the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), scheduled to be held from 11 to 12 November 2025 in Islamabad. He further stated that the ISC is an Intergovernmental, Inter-Parliamentary and Multilateral Organisation and its objectives are building global unity, strengthening peace and shared prosperity through inter-parliamentary dialogue.
During the discussion, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, fondly recalled the initiation of eye cornea donations from Sri Lanka to Pakistan and conveyed his appreciation to Sri Lanka for its continued support in this regard.
High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne appreciated the warm welcome and concurred with the views expressed by the Chairman Senate of Pakistan. He stated that the current Government of Sri Lanka's vision and policies demonstrate a firm commitment to national unity, economic reform, and international engagement, with a particular emphasis on creating a cleaner and more sustainable Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne expressed his sincere appreciation to the Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan and the Speaker of the National Assembly for graciously extending an invitation to the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka to participate in the ISC.
Highlighting the presence of significant Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan, the High Commissioner pointed to the vast potential for promoting religious tourism, given Sri Lanka’s large Buddhist population.
Minister of the High Commission, A Christy Ruban was also present at the meeting.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Islamabad
01 September 2025
