ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to expand sports cooperation, emphasising that athletic exchanges play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing mutual understanding. The commitment came during a meeting between Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sugath Thilakaratne on Thursday.
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The discussion centred on promoting cricket, boosting collaboration across multiple sporting disciplines and further reinforcing bilateral relations. Tarar highlighted that Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy longstanding ties built on trust, respect and shared values. He noted that sports serve as a unifying force for youth and act as an important bridge between the two nations.
Tarar thanked the Sri Lankan leadership for its continued support in enhancing sports relations and said Pakistan was actively advancing sports diplomacy in the region. He added that the visit of the Sri Lankan delegation — despite the ongoing budget session of their parliament — reflected the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries.
The Sri Lankan officials praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the exceptional arrangements for the ongoing Tri-Nation Cricket Series. They shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had personally conveyed his appreciation to the Sri Lankan team and government during a special luncheon held a day earlier.
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Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne, Deputy High Commissioner Christie Ruben and Defence Minister Counsellor Brigadier G.A.K.R. Gunaratne also attended the meeting, underscoring the strong diplomatic and defence ties complementing the growing sports partnership.