News Letter High Commission of Sri Lanka Issues by the Information Section, High Commission of Pakistan Colombo – Sri Lanka Volume - 06 April to September, 2013 Issue 1

Political and Economic Relations Foreign Secretary of Pakistan visits Sri Lanka Pakistan’s relations with Sri Lanka marked by cordiality, friendship: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Our object should be peace within, The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Jalil and peace without. We want to live Abbas Jilani, visited Sri Lanka on April 2, peacefully and maintain cordial 2013 to take part in the 3rd Round of Bilateral friendly relations with our Political Consultations between Pakistan and immediate neighbours and with Sri Lanka. The last round of talks was held Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met President of Sri Lanka Mahinda the world at large. from 17-19 July 2007 in . During Rajapaksa on the sidelines of UN General Assembly on September 26, 2013. (, August 15th, 1947.) his stay, the Foreign Secretary called upon Sri The Prime Minister underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations Lankan President H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa; with Sri Lanka which are characterized by cordiality and friendship. The Prime – Quaid e Azam Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris; Minister stated that he looked forward to his participation in the Commonwealth Muhammad Ali Jinnah Minister for Economic Development Basil Heads of Governments meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Sri Lanka in November 2013. The Sri Lankan President thanked Pakistan for its support to Sri Lanka in Rajapaksa and held in-depth discussions on a variety of bilateral issues of mutual the latter’s fight against terrorism and at international fora.He invited Pakistani interest with his counterpart, Karunatilaka Amunugama as well as with Secretary investors to invest in Sri Lanka especially in the sugar industry. The two leaders Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The visit of the Foreign Secretary to Sri Lanka is agreed to continue to work together to deepen and broaden bilateral relations part of a tradition of high-level contacts and exchanges between the two countries. through regular contacts and exchange of visits and by increasing trade and Pakistan and Sri Lanka have active engagement in all important fields including investment interactions. trade and commerce. 1 Pakistani Envoy meets Sri Lankan Minister of Technology, Affairs conveyed the warm felicitations of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the Research and Atomic Energy. Prime Minister and the new Government of Pakistan, and handed over to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif the President’s letter of invitation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo in November. The Prime The High Commissioner Minister responded that he looks forward to attending the Summit, and wished of Pakistan Maj. Gen. (R) the event every success. Qasim Qureshi, paid a courtesy call on Sri Lanka’s Minister of Technology, Prof Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning and Development Research and Atomic visits Sri Lanka Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka on June 6, 2013. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for The High Commissioner Planning, Development, Prof. and Minister discussed matters of mutual interest, especially with regards to Ahsan Iqbal visited Sri Lanka to expanding collaboration in the fields of Science and technology between the attend 6th South Asia Economic two countries. The Secretary to the Ministry of Technology, Research and Summit (SAES) in Colombo Atomic Energy Ms Dhara Wijaytilake, assisted Minister Ranawaka, whereas on September 3, 2013​. This is Pakistan’s Defence Adviser Colonel Sheharyar Parvez Butt accompanied the the first ministerial level visit High Commissioner of Pakistan. to Sri Lanka since the taking over of the new Government Pakistan to further broaden ties with Sri Lanka: PM in Pakistan in June 2013. During the visit Prof. Ahsan Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan values its relations Iqbal called on President with Sri Lanka which were characterized by cordiality and friendship and Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees in Colombo. Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, also desired to further deepen and met the Sri Lankan Minister for Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa. The broaden these ties through regular Minister visited the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo, to interact with contacts and exchange of visits. the representatives of the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister expressed these views in a meeting with High Commissioner of Pakistan meets Deputy Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Minister for External Parliament Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiri and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Air Chief Marshal (R) Jayalath Lanka Maj. Gen. (R) Qasim Qureshi called Weerakkody who called on him on the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament here at the Prime Minister’s Office on August 23, 2013. The Prime Minister said Chandima Weerakody on September 28, that Pakistan deeply admired Sri Lanka’s unremitting endeavours for promoting 2013 at his chamber in the Parliament. economic independence, human dignity and social justice for the people of Sri Lanka. He also appreciated Sri Lanka’s commendable efforts in rehabilitation of the IDPs and reconstruction of the war-affected areas. The Minister for External

2 Pakistan’s High Commissioner urges enhanced bilateral Launching of The EXPO Pakistan 2013-Opportunities trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka Unlimited in Sri Lanka

The High Commissioner of The High Commission of Pakistan in Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. Sri Lanka in association with the Trade (R) Qasim Qureshi visited Galle Development Authority of Pakistan District of the Southern Province (TDAP), formally launched “The EXPO of Sri Lanka on April 29, 2013. Pakistan 2013- Opportunities Unlimited” The High Commissioner met the on 24 June, 2013 in Colombo with the Governor Southern Province Ms. aim to boost bilateral trade. Minister of Kumari Balasuriya, Southern Industries and Commerce Sri Lanka, Naval Commander Rear Admiral Rishad Bathiuddin inaugrated the event. The Deputy Head of Mission Pakistan, Piyal Harischandra De Dilva Miss Amna Baloch gave detailed presentation on the EXPO Pakistan 2013, its (P.H.De Silva) and Mustafa Mohammad Awn, Head of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) history, concept, features and the logistics pertaining to the event. The High Galle District. The High Commissioner also participated in a meeting with the Commissioner, in his address, officials of the Galle District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting said that economic diplomacy reviewed the prevailing business environment between the two friendly countries. is the primary focus of the new While speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner emphasized the need to government in Pakistan. In a explore ways and means to further enhance business connectivity and the volume subsequent event, the High of bilateral trade between the two countries. Commission of Pakistan hosted the Sri Lankan businessmen The High Commissioner of Pakistan visits Eastern participating in Pakistan EXPO 2013 along with the officials of Province Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, at the High Commission of Pakistan on September 25, 2013 prior to their departure to Karachi. The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. (R) Qasim Pakistani Envoy Visits Central Province to bolster Economic Qureshi visited Eastern Province of Sri Lanka on May 27, 2013. The and Cultural links visit was aimed at understanding the The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri ground situation in the Province and Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi visited to explore opportunities to further the central Province of Sri Lanka on June develop economic, cultural and 30, 2013 to explore opportunities to further people-to-people links with that part of Sri Lanka. During the visit, the High develop economic, cultural and people-to- Commissioner met Governor of the Eastern Province, Rear Admiral Mohan people links and to understand the ground Wijewickrama at Governor’s Secretariat and held detailed discussion on all areas situation in the Province. During the visit, of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan including the assistance the High Commissioner met Governor of the Central Province, Hon Tikiri provided by Pakistan to the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. In addition, the High Kobbekanduwa and held discussion on bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Commissioner met the officials of District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pakistan. Honorary Council General of Pakistan in Kandy Mr. Afzal Marikar, and also visited Pakistan’s Naval Ship SAIF. 3 also joined them in the meeting. The High Commissioner also participated in Vidyalam in Salam Baikulam Vavuniya. The Pakistan government undertook to a meeting with the officials of the District Chamber of Commerce & Industry uplift this school with the collaboration of the Sri Lankan government through Kandy, besides visiting Pakistan sponsored Zia Hospital in Akurana. Ministers Basil Rajapaksa and Rishad Bathiudeen. The High Commissioner also met Government Agent Sundram Arumaing Yagam and Deputy Election Pakistan’s Minister of State for Water and Power, Mr. Abid Commissioner Jaffna, Mr. Achuthan. During the visit the High Commissioner Sher Ali visited Sri Lanka also met the President of Jaffna Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mr R. J. Sekran. The Minister of Water and Power Pakistan, Abid Sher Ali visited Sri Lanka on August 18, 2013 to participate in the 2nd International Water Cooperation Defence Relations Conference, organized by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage in the historic city of Anuradhapura. The Pakistan’s Army Chief visits Sri Lanka Minister of State Abid Sher Ali had a one on one meeting with the Sri Lankan Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Sri Lanka on his second visit on July 1, 2013. During his stay, General Ashfaq Dinesh Gunawerdena in Anuradhapura. Parvez Kayani met the top military leadership of the country. He also held The Minister of State along with the High Commissioner of Pakistan also met Sri discussions on matters of professional Lankan Minister of Power and Energy Pavithra Wanniarachchi. Taking benefit of interests with Secretary Defence Sri Lanka, the Minister of State’s presence in Sri Lanka, the High Commission of Pakistan in Hon Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. General Ashfaq Sri Lanka organized an interactive session for the visiting Minister with potential Parvez Kayani also reviewed the Passing investors and local power generation companies in Colombo. The meeting was out Parade at Sri Lanka Military Academy, attended by the representatives of various small and medium hydro and thermal power producing companies. Diyatalawa as the Chief Guest.

Pakistani Envoy wraps up visit to the Northern Province of Sri Lanka Pakistan celebrated Defence Day at Colombo The High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka celebrated the Defence Day Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Maj Gen Qasim Qureshi visited the of Pakistan at Hotel Galadari in Colombo on September 6, 2013. The event Northern Province from September 16 to 18. The aim of the visit was to understand attracted large gathering including Sri Lankan Government Ministers, Chief of the ground situation and explore Defence Staff, Commanders of Armed Forces opportunities to expand the economic, of Sri Lanka, Inspector General of Police, cultural and people-to-people links High Commissioners/ Ambassadors, senior between Pakistan and the Northern officers of three segments of Armed Forces Province. The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Government officials, Pakistani also reviewed the progress of the community and important personalities of development projects sponsored by the Pakistan government in the Northern the society. Province. These projects include expansion and upgradation of Al-Aksha Maha

4 The High Commissioner of Pakistan meets Secretary Social and Cultural Activities Defence Sri Lanka

The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association holds Memorable Pakistan in Sri Lanka, HE Maj. fund Raising Master Quiz Competition Gen. (R) Qasim Qureshi met Secretary Defence Sri Lanka Mr. The Sri Lanka Pakistan Gotabaya Rajapaksa on September Friendship Association 21, 2013 and held discussions on (SLPAFA) in collaboration with wide ranging issues. The Defence Pakistan High Commission Attache of Pakistan Col Sheharyar organized a fun-filled Fund Butt also attended the meeting. Raising Friendship Evening at the Grand Oriental Hotel, in Colombo on April 7, 2013. The Chief Guest on the occasion was the spouse of Pakistan Naval Ship SAIF in Sri Lanka on a Good Will Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka H.E. Maj. Gen. (R) Qasim Qureshi. Visit The event was also attended by a large number of distinguished personalities. Ship SAIF visited Trincomalee port on a Goodwill visit Pakistan bags Best Actress and Silver Medal in Feature from 14-17 May, 2013. The 123 meter Films at 2013 SAARC Film Awards in Colombo long PNS SAIF (F-253) is a multi mission frigate capable of operating Pakistan won two prestigious awards at independently or as part of Task the 2013 SAARC Film Festival awards Force in multi-threat environment. ceremony held at the National Films The ship has been commissioned in Corporation Sri Lanka on June 4, 2013. September, 2010 at Shanghai, China. Pakistan won awards in the categories of As part of goodwill, Pakistan Navy Best Actress and Best Feature Film, in the ships frequently pay port visits to annual SAARC Film Festival, which was held from 26 to 31 May. This year’s Sri Lanka. These visits are aimed Best Actress award in SAARC Region went to Pakistan’s Aamina Sheikh, for her at further strengthening the existing role in “Seedlings- Lamha”, which has also won Silver Medal in the category of strong relationship between Sri Lanka Best Feature Film of SAARC Region. The Press Attache of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Utilizing their stay in Mr. Muhammad Daud Ehtisham received the Awards on behalf of the winners. trincomalee, the Officers and sailors of the visiting PNS SAIF also visited Pakistan awards prestigious Jinnah Scholarship 2013 to 150 a local orphanage in Trincomalee to extend their support and care to brilliant Sri Lankan Students the children residing there. The group of Officers and sailors visited Rehwatha Children’s Home as part of a humanitarian outreach event and distributed The Government of Pakistan through its High Commission in Sri Lanka awarded SL Rs 3 Million worth of educational scholarships to 150 bright Sri Lankan medicines, gifts and supplies to the 50 plus orphaned children residing in the students of O/L and A/L under Jinnah Scholarship Programme 2013. Under orphanage. 5 the auspices of High Commission of strong, dynamic progressive tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state. The Pakistan, Colombo, award ceremony was High Commissioner of Pakistan Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi hoisted the national held at the Ananda College Auditorium flag of Pakistan in an impressive ceremony at Pakistan High Commission in on June 20, 2013. Hon. Mohan Lal Colombo. Grero, Coordinating MP for Ministry of Education graced the award ceremony Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Sports Gala 2013 held in a as chief guest. In his welcome address, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi grand manner congratulated the students for their academic achievements, expressing hope that they would continue to excel in their academic pursuits. The Government of The Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship Association conducted a colourful Sports Pakistan is awarding the Jinnah Educational Scholarship since 2005. Gala and Cricket Festival at the Malay Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association holds 47th Cricket Club, Padang, Slave Island Colombo 2 on September 21, 2013. Justice AGM Saleem Marsoof PC, Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest The Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association while Maj Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka held 47th Annual General Meeting 2012- was the Guest of Honour. 13 at the Sri Lanka Malay Headquarters (PADANG), Kew Road, Colombo on July 19, Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship Association launches 2013 under the distinguished presence of Maj. Gen (R) Qasim Qureshi, High Commissioner upgraded website for Pakistan in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association is one of the oldest Friendship Association of Sri In an impressive ceremony held at Pakistan High Commission Colombo on Lanka which was established 63 years back in 1950. The Association has been September 30, 2013, the website of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association able to establish itself as a useful platform, dedicated to the promotion of bilateral (SLPFA) was launched by the High Commissioner of Pakistan HE Maj Gen (R) relationship and friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Qasim Qureshi. The ceremony was also attended by the President and other office bearers of the SLPFA, Embassy officials and representatives of various media organizations. The newly designed and upgraded website http://www. The High Commission of Pakistan celebrated the 67th slpfa.org/ is an open source knowledge portal , offering free downloads of all Independence Day of Pakistan. relevant information about the Association, its past history, current projects and programmes, latest news and reference material about Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The High Commission This website will not only cater to of Pakistan and the the members of the SLPFA alone Pakistani community in but the society at large including Sri Lanka, celebrated the the Pakistani community in Sri 67th Independence Day of Lanka, other similar associations, Pakistan on August 14, 2013 NGOs, state agencies, researches, with traditional fervor and academics, business and civil resolve to make Pakistan a societies and a host of others.

6 News from Pakistan PM Sharif emphasizes regional peace, Kahsmir settlement, end to drone strikes

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain took oath as the 12th President of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Sharif called for an end to drone strikes on Pakistani soil in an address to the Newly elected President UN General Assembly on September Mamnoon Hussain has 28, 2013 and underscored Islamabad’s taken oath of his office on commitment to regional peace as well September 9, 2013, which as the need for realization of the right was administered to him by of the people of Jammu and Kashmir the Chief Justice Iftikhar to self-determination. In his wide-ranging Muhammad Chaudhry. After address, which received a warm round of applause, the Prime Minister said he taking the oath, Mamnoon looks forward to meeting his Indian counterpart this weekend to make a “new Hussain has become the 12th beginning” towards peace in South Asia. Pakistan, he said, has suffered grievously . The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Presidency, in the face of terrorism and is firmly opposed to all forms and manifestations of attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, former President Asif terror and would also explore dialogue to end militancy. But, he underlined that Ali Zardari, members of the Federal Cabinet, Chairman Senate Nayyer Hussain the dialogue should not be seen as a tool of appeasement. He also told the 193- Bukhari, Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, Chiefs of Armed Forces of member forum that Pakistan is a responsible and qualifies for Pakistan, all the Chief Ministers, former Prime Ministers and other political access to civilian nuclear technology. Nawaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s dignitaries. commitment to a stable Afghanistan.

The newly elected Prime Minister‚ Muhammad Nawaz Samina Baig has become the first Pakistani woman to scale Sharif took oath of his office at a simple but dignified Mount Everest ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Pakistani mountaineer Samina Baig completed the climb to the summit The National Assembly elected PML-N Chief Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as on May 19, 2013 at around 7:30 am Leader of the House by the two third majority on June 5, 2013. He got 244 local time with her brother Mirza votes while his opponents Makhdoom Ali, who becomes the third and Amin Fahim of Pakistan Peoples Party youngest Pakistani male to scale the Parliamentarians bagged 42 votes and mountain. Nepal Mountaineering Makhdoom Javed Hashmi of Pakistan Department official Tilak Padney said Tehrik-e-Insaf secured 31 votes. It is the that 35 foreigners accompanied by 29 first time in the history of the country that Nepalese Sherpa guides reached the Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has been peak after climbing all night from the highest camp on South Col — the pass elected for the slot of Prime Minister for between Everest and a neighboring mountain. Ali (29) and Baig (21) are natives the third time. of Shimshal village in Hunza valley, Pakistan.

7 Interesting Destination of Pakistan polo tournament is featured in the first episode of Himalaya with Michael Palin. Various teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral have always played the game of polo closest to its original form. Hanna Lake Concordia

Hanna Lake is an alluring picnic place, situated near the city of Quetta. The lake has a vast variety of eye catching sights. The lake’s water is turquoise in color which gives a good contrast with the mountainous range around. You can take a boat ride or sit in the lake side restaurant and sip chai and enjoy the scenery.A must visit place if you go to Quetta. This is the one of the biggest and most accessible tourist place in Balochistan. Concordia is the name for the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier, in the heart of the Karakoram range of Pakistan. It is located in Baltistan region of Pakistan. The name was applied by European Shandoor Polo Festival explorers, and comes from this location’s similarity to a glacial confluence, also named Concordia, in the Bernese Oberland, part of the Central Alps. Around Concordia are clustered some of the highest peaks in the world. Four of the world’s fourteen “eight-thousanders” are in this region, as well as a number of important lower peaks. Concordia offers the region’s best place to camp for mountain enthusiasts not involved in climbing. With breathtaking views, it also offers short hikes to several important base camps: K2 (three hours), Broad Peak (two hours) and the Gasherbrums (three hours).

Information Section Shandur invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament which since High Commission of Pakistan, Colombo, Sri Lanka 1936 has been held annually in the first week of July between the local teams Tele: 011-2055682 Fax: 011-2055683 of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The tournament is held on Shandur Top, the highest E-mail: [email protected] polo ground in the world at 3,700 meters (the pass itself is at 3,800 meters). The unie ars 2330195 Website: www.pakistanhc.lk festival also includes Folk music, dancing and a camping villageis set up. The Facebook : Pakistan High Commision Colombo 8