Sri Lankan high commissioner calls on Pir Aftab Jillani

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Culture, Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani said that there has been great cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the field of art and culture.

He said that Sri Lanka has rich cultural heritage and deep relations with Pakistan.

He made these observations while talking to the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, H.E Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, says a press release issued here.

Federal Secretary Culture, Moin-ul-Islam Bukhari and senior officers of the ministry were also present on the occasion.

The minister welcomed the Sri Lankan envoy and informed him that Pakistan considers Sri Lanka a close friend adding that both countries has excellent brotherly relations.

He expressed the hope that promotion of cultural ties between the two countries would result in bringing the two nations further closer.

The minster agreed with the proposal of the ambassador to hold exhibition of Buddhist Art of Ghandara in Colombo as was already offered by the President of Pakistan during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Weerakkody the ambassador thanked the minister for his keen interest in promotion of cultural relations and said that the Buddhist people of Sri Lanka would greatly cherish the exhibition of Ghandara Relic.

Ambassador informed the minister about the forthcoming visit of Buddhist monks and archaeological experts from Sri Lanka for participation in Seminar being organized by Asian Society in Islamabad.  He invited the minster to participate in the concluding session of the seminar which was accepted by the minister.  The Minster for Culture assured his full support and cooperation in organizing the seminar.  The Ambassador also informed the minister that his government is working in collaboration with UNESCO regarding excavation of archaeological sites in Sri Lanka.