The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad conducted the “Sri Lanka week” programme parallel to the 2019 National Day celebrations. A series of activities were organized by the High Commission to promote “Sri Lanka tourism” as well as “Ceylon tea and Cinnamon” during this week-long event.
A Sri Lankan food festival was held in collaboration with Serena – Islamabad Hotel and Galadari Hotel - Colombo on 02 and 03 February 2019, in Serena Hotel. At the inauguration of the food festival, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Noordeen Mohamed Shaheid stated that it was an excellent opportunity for Pakistani people to taste the Sri Lankan authentic cuisine in Islamabad. He invited Pakistanis to visit Sri Lanka to enjoy the hospitality of Sri Lankan people. Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Jalil Abbasi Jilani and the High Commissioner of Maldives in Pakistan, Ahmed Saheen graced the occasion as special guests.
On 04 February 2019, the High Commission celebrated the 71st Independence Day of Sri Lanka at the High Commission premises, with traditional fervor and enthusiasm. The celebrations began with the hoisting of National Flag by the High Commissioner followed by National Anthem. The multi-faith religious observances were performed by religious leaders invoking blessings on Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan people. At the end of the ceremony the visitors were served with Sri Lankan tea and traditional sweets.
In the evening of 04 February, a formal reception was held with the presentation of a cultural show performed by the Sri Lanka Army dance troupe. A gathering of 600 people, comprising of around 200 diplomats, Ministers, members of Chambers of Commerce, members of the Sri Lankan community living in Pakistan and dignitaries enjoyed a truly Sri Lankan event followed by dinner., Director General of the Economics Affairs and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Saroja Sirisena attended the celebrations as a Special Guest.
The High Commission held a public seminar on 06 February 2019 on “Sri Lanka – Pakistan Relations” followed by a Sri Lankan cultural programme in collaboration with the Centre for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), a leading think tank in Pakistan. The Federal Minister for Food Security and Research of Pakistan, Mahbob Sultan and Chairman (CGSS), Lt. Gen (R) Zahir Ul Islam graced the event as the Chief Guests. Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saroja Sirisena was invited as the Guest Speaker at the conference. The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka reiterated the need for expansion of the volume of trade between the two countries as there is a huge potential for enhancement of bilateral trade. Further, he declared year 2019 as “Ceylon Tea promotion year” in Pakistan. More than 600 participants from all walks of life participated in the seminar.
