COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: In connection with the celebration of 54th Defence Day of Pakistan, the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka held a reception on September 5, 2019 at a local hotel in Colombo to mark the day.
The Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary General (retd) Shantha Kottegoda was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
While welcoming the guests, the Defence Attaché of Pakistan Colonel Sajjad Ali highlighted the role of Armed forces in eliminating the scourge of extremism and terrorism from Pakistan and bringing peace and stability in the Country.
Colonel Sajjad Ali also underscored that Pakistan is one of the largest contributor to UN Peacekeeping missions to establish international peace.
The defence attaché reiterated that Pakistan Armed Forces are fully prepared to thwart any aggressive design against Pakistan.
In his remarks, the Chief Guest Shantha Kottegoda said that Pakistan has been a true friend of Sri Lanka. He recalled that Pakistan has rendered unconditional support to Sri Lanka for elimination of most ruthless terrorist outfit of the world. The Government and people of Sri Lanka will never forget the moral and material support of Pakistan, he underscored.
Shantha Kottegoda added that Pakistan and Sri Lankan armed forces have maintained close cooperation, especially in providing training to large number of military personnel of Sri Lanka.
In his remarks, High Commissioner of Pakistan Major General (retd) Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat said that Pakistan believes in supporting and promoting regional and international peace and stability by resolving all disputes and conflicts. He added that Kashmir dispute is an internationally recognized issue and needs to be resolved in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.
Major General (retd) Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat urged the international community and the United Nations to fulfill their ‘Responsibility to Protect’ innocent Kashmiris from crimes against humanity being committed by occupying military forces in State of Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. Shahid Hashmat reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to extend all possible political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris until they attain their inalienable right of self-determination.
On Sri Lanka-Pakistan relations, the High Commissioner underscored that the relations between the two countries are time-tested and, over the period of time, have gained strength in all spheres and domains. He also mentioned about 1000 scholarships offered by Pakistan Higher Education Commission to Sri Lankan students and COMSATS’ offer to establish a high-tech university in Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by a large gathering including Government functionaries, Commanders of Sri Lankan armed forces, High Commissioners/Ambassadors, Pakistani community and important personalities from different walks of life.
