61st Independence Day Warm wishes from Pakistani President

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday extended felicitations of the Government and the people of Pakistan to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of 61st Independence Day.

The Letter: It gives me immense pleasure to extend warmest felicitations of the Government and people of Pakistan to you, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the National Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

"Pakistan has always attached great importance to its relationship with Sri Lanka. Pakistan remains committed to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Our Government strongly believes that the Sri Lanka Government and its people remain the sole arbiters of their own destiny. I assure your excellency of Pakistan's full support and wish Sri Lanka continuing success under your leadership.

"On my own behalf as well as that of the Government of Pakistan, I extend our best wishes for your Excellency's good health-well being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka the letter said.