COLOMBO :On this auspicious occasion of our National Day, I wish to convey greetings and best wishes of the Government and people of Pakistan to the Government and people of Sri Lanka.
23rd March is a landmark day in the history of Pakistan when the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent adopted the historic Lahore Resolution put forth by Mr. A. K. Fazal-e-Haq on March 23, 1940, at the famous Minto Park (now Minar-e Pakistan) in the 27th annual meeting of All-India Muslim League.
The Lahore Resolution changed the destiny of the Muslims of the subcontinent. It gave impetus to the struggle of Muslims for realization of the dream of a separate homeland. This explains why Pakistan came into being in 1947, as the largest Islamic state on the map of the world within a short span of seven years struggle. Today, Pakistan as a flourishing democracy enjoys an honourable place in the comity of nations.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are trusted partners with historical linkages dating back to the period of Gandhara civilization. Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka and would like to further strengthen our brotherly ties. These ties have grown from strength to strength over the last seven decades.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that mutually beneficial relations, rooted in history, have become truly multi-dimensional, covering fields of public diplomacy, economy, defence, culture, education, and sports.
While as sincere friends we take pride in the unmatched resilience of the Sri Lankan nation in overcoming the worst economic crisis in the history of the country, I wish to reiterate that, Pakistan will always stand with the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the economic & regional stability.
In the end, I wish to extend our best wishes to the people and government of Sri Lanka for their continued progress, prosperity, and peace, in the years ahead.
Long Live Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship!
Pakistan-Zindabad
