The South Asian , Island country of very hospitble people and eye catching sights, a remarkable tourist destination, Sri Lanka celebrated her 78th Independence Day on 04 Feb 2026 with traditional determination of taking the homeland to high place in the world and safeguard the soverignity and integritiy of the state.
High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Islamabad celebrated the auspicious day on 04 Feb at the high commission with staff and countrymen living in Pakistan. Later , a grand reception was hosted by the High Commissioner , Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne at Serena Hotels on 09 Feb 2026.
High level contacts between the two countries took place in the meanwhile. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a message of falicitations to his Sri Lankan counterpart while President Sril Lanka held a telephone contact with PM Shehbaz on T20 participation of Pakistan. Finally PM Shehbaz took decision and now Pakistan will play in the world cup being hosted by Sri Lanka.
At the reception,Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar was the chief guest while a large number of other gov and military officials were also present. Additional Secretary MOFA Hamid Asghar Khan, Chairman Pakistan and Africa Institute for Development and Research Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Coordinator to PM on tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas, Honorary Consul in Lahore Yasin Joyia, Chairman Gujranwala Business Center Ahmad Ikram Lone were prominent among them.
The host high commissioner, in his welcome address, shared the history of the struggle of his nation for independence from colonial rule. He briefed the guests about the development of his country achieved in various sectors since the independence. He spoke highly on bilateral relations and cooperation.
The high commissioner said, “Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoy a long-standing and time-tested relationship, built on trust, mutual understanding, and shared values. The most recent example of this enduring bond was the prompt action taken by the Government of Pakistan following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah in December last year, including the dispatch of 200 tons of relief supplies by sea, as well as a C-130 aircraft carrying additional relief items and rescue teams.”
H.E enlightened the participants on Sri Lanka’s foreign policy that , he said, continues to be guided by the principles of non-alignment, constructive engagement, and mutual respect. We value cordial relations with all countries and firmly believe that dialogue and partnership are essential for addressing regional and global challenges. In this spirit, Sri Lanka continues to work closely with Pakistan and all other friendly nations to promote peace, development, and prosperity.
Minister Attaullah Tarar, in his keynore address, lauded the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, describing it as a “time-tested” bond that continues to grow stronger. He extended heartfelt felicitations to the Sri Lankan government and its people.
“Sri Lanka means a great deal to Pakistan and its people,” the minister said, noting that both nations have consistently supported each other through thick and thin.
“During the cricket series recently, I was speaking to His Excellency Rear-Admiral H.L.A. Don Fred Seneviratne and told him that I am the self-appointed tourism ambassador of Sri Lanka,” said the minister while recalling his visit to various tourist destinations including Sigiriya Rock, golden sandy beech of Hikkaduwa and beautiful tree plantation of kandy.
He praised the resilience and determination of the people of Sri Lanka that had allowed the nation to overcome the menace of terrorism. “Today, we see a peaceful and beautiful Sri Lanka that has become a premier destination for global tourism,” he added.
“Sri Lanka is the best destination for tourism and people should definitely visit,” the minister remarked.
Recalling his meetings with President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the minister called him patriotic and a cricket enthusiast.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed cordial relations since decades, he said, highlighting the relief support extended by Pakistan to Sri Lanka recently after an adverse cyclone named Ditwah hit the country.
Both countries have enjoyed excellent economic relations, he said, noting that Sri Lanka was the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan in August 2002, which became operational from June 2005.
“Recently, both countries held 13th Joint Economic Commission, and 8th Secretary Commerce-level talks in Colombo,” Atta Tarar stated.
He said Pakistan has been a proud partner of Sri Lankan armed forces especially in enhancing their capacity and allocation in training institutions. “Many senior officers in Sri Lankan armed forces have attended trainings in Pakistan and we have also helped Sri Lanka to deal with the challenge of LTTE insurgency back in the days.”
“I have no doubt that our relations will grow from strength to strength in the times to come,” he said while congratulating the government and people of Sri Lanka on their independence day.
The minister expressed the hope that Sri Lanka would grow economically and its tourism sector would boom further. He assured the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka that the people of Pakistan would always stand by his country. The minister also expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka for supporting Pakistan cricket.
Recalling the fond and joyous memories cricket had brought to the region, Atta Tarar said he had witnessed the world cup of 1996 in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore where former captain of Sri Lankan cricket team Arjuna Ranatunga lifted the trophy.
The high commission screened documentaries consisting of the tourism potential of the country and development in different spheres of life including the well being of the people and promotion of peace and stability in the region.
Traditional , cultural performances, demonstrated in video format touched the hearts of the guests. The artists of Sri Lanka presented various colors of their heritage and rich civilization including dresses, ornaments, dances and music.