Pakistan and Sri Lanka are two important countries of the region and quite appreciably enjoy very cordial and friendly relations, and extending cooperation to each other in different sectors. Both the countries are keen to further strengthen existing relations through frequent exchange of delegations at varying levels.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations are based on cultural links, defense cooperation and economic diplomacy. Their strong built relationship is enormously represented through their actions, most specifically when Pakistan signed a credit line for US $200 million as one of the Memorandum of Understanding with President Mahindha Rajapaksa in 2012.
This signifies the mutual confidence of the respective countries to move forward with no legal binding but with a mutual agreement. In recent past, Sri Lanka had a profound agreement in signing a MoU at Temple Trees which serves as an economically significant contract between the parties. In addition, Pakistan has displayed appreciation with respect and protection to the heritages of the Buddhism in their country.
It hoisted the 2500th anniversary of Lord Buddha in 1956. The Gandhara grand exhibition is a wonderful example of Pakistanis valuing Buddhism with its ancient history. In Parallel, Sri Lanka has proven their due respect by several other activities like labelling a public ground as “Jinnah Maidan” at Colombo in 1976. Hence, their respect towards the two countries were mutual and reciprocal. Pakistan has been marvelous in projecting their willful helping hand by supplying fighter jets and military training to defeat the terrorists of LTTE.
It is evident that Sri Lanka has never liked India to dominate the region both economically and militarily. Thus, the pliant nature of Pakistan and Sri Lanka in face of adversities and shared objectives makes them natural allies. Pakistan has engaged Sri Lanka by giving military training to its military officers, included former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and services Chiefs.
Pakistani and Sri Lankan armed and naval forces have also been close to each other in managing workshops and seminars on defense matters. The bilateral and mutual foreign relation demonstrate strong ties of understanding and respect for each other. Like the most popular quote of J.K Rowling, “we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided”.
Please visit our website London Institute of Peace Research for latest peace news
