High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (retd.), paid a courtesy call on Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, at his official residence on 29 August 2025. Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was also present on the occasion.

Chairman Senate extended warm congratulations to the High Commissioner on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities and extended best wishes for a successful tenure in Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the historic ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, rooted in shared history and spanning over seven decades, would be further strengthened through enhanced cooperation in diverse fields.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasised that Pakistan regards Sri Lanka as a trusted partner and an important country in South Asia. “The brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka stand as a model of mutual trust, respect, and collaboration,” he noted.

Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, the Chairman stressed the need to revitalise the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to achieve collective prosperity, peace, and connectivity that comes through justice and fairness.

Cultural and educational cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Chairman Senate reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting cultural linkages, preserving shared Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, and the Swat Valley, and strengthening people-to-people contacts.

Recalling his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s policy of peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement with all neighbours. He underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary and cultural exchanges, including through the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and other multilateral forums.