Pakistani Foreign Secretary tells President:

‘Marked difference’ in Sri Lanka after the war

During a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat last morning, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Jilal Abbas Jilani told the President that “there is a marked difference” in Sri Lanka from when he last visited during the war in 2005.

“There is a peace and tranquility one feels,” Jilani said, adding that the difference is not only with the end of the war but with development activities as well. He further said, “We deeply appreciate and admire the manner in which your government has been able to take care of terrorism.”

President Rajapaksa thanked Pakistan for its continuous support both during and after the war, stating that Pakistan played a crucial role in assisting Sri Lanka during decisive points.

While conveying “greetings and very best wishes” from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Jilani said, “We in Pakistan greatly appreciate our friendship.”

The President and the Secretary also talked about the upcoming general election in Pakistan and the need to increase women’s participation in politics.

Jilani thanked President Rajapaksa for Sri Lanka’s support to Pakistan including during the dengue epidemic that Pakistan faced in 2011.

Following a request by the Pakistani government, Sri Lanka sent a dengue eradication team that assisted with a needs assessment and training of Pakistani medical personnel. Director General (South Asia) at the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry Ms. Riffat Masood, Pakistan High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Qasim Qureshi and Deputy Head of Mission in Sri Lanka Ms. Amna Baloch together with External Affairs Minister Prof. GL Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilake Amunugama were also present at the meeting.