PM praises Pakistan for preserving Buddha's relics

Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka praised the Pakistan Government's efforts to keep Sacred Relics of the Buddha in an excellent condition.

He was speaking at a meeting of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentarian Friendship Association at Parliament House yesterday. Prime Minister Wickramanayaka the President of the Association chairing the meeting and said during the past few months, Pakistan has seen many ups and downs.

Citing the incident of assassination of Pakistan leader Benazir Bhutto, he expressed his grief on the incident and observed one minute silence.

The Prime Minister said we fully support the Pakistan Government's efforts to eliminate terrorism from the country.

He also lauded efforts of former High Commissioner of Pakistan Shahzad A. Chaudhry in promoting bilateral relations between the two countries. Acting High Commissioner Dr. Fazal-ur-Rahman Kazi said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have maintained close and cordial relations and both countries shared common perceptions on almost all regional and international issues.

He hoped that a visit by Sri Lankan Parliamentarians to Pakistan, on which the High Commission is working, will strengthen the goodwill between the Parliaments of the two countries. He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for taking personal interest in the establishment and promotion of the Association.

Both sides agreed that there should be more direct contact between the people of both countries through exchange of students, cultural, tourism and media delegations.

They also agreed their should be more frequent meetings of the association to promote bilateral relations across the board at all levels.