Pakistan Week began at Colombo on Sunday evening, which is aimed at promoting Pakistan's cultural, trade and tourism. The week, which is featuring many events, will continue till February 26, 2011. The week is being organised by Pakistan High Commission at a local hotel with active participation of Pakistan International Airline (PIA).
The inaugural ceremony of the event was held at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo and the First Lady of Sri Lanka, Ms. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was the chief guest on the occasion. On arrival at the venue, the First Lady was received by the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Ms. Seema Ilahi Baloch, Managing Director of PIA, Captain Nadeem Yousufzai and Imran Ahmed Khan, Director Marketing PIA. She inaugurated the event by cutting a ribbon. She also went round the stalls that were set up on the occasion and evinced keen interest in the exhibited items including Pakistani dresses, jewellery, carpets, literature and other items.
After the inaugural ceremony, a Qawali session was held as a group of Qawal including Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad was especially invited from Pakistan.
A Pakistani Food Festival is also being organised during the Week and two chefs have flown from Lahore for the purpose.
A Pakistani dress show is also part of the Pakistan Week. A Fashion designer from Lahore Talat Hafeez is in Colombo for the purpose.
Ms. Mariam Saeed of the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo, said that the very purpose of the Pakistan Week in Colombo was aimed at introducing and promoting Pakistani culture in Sri Lanka. She said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy deep friendly relations, which are growing further with the passage of time.
She said that this festival will also promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as presently trade volume stood at $300 million and it could be promoted with efforts like Pakistan festival.