Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sugath Thilakaratne agreed on Thursday to strengthen sports cooperation stressing that games serve as a powerful medium for fostering people-to-people connections and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.The meeting focused on promoting cricket, enhancing cooperation in various sporting disciplines and strengthening broader bilateral ties, with Minister Attaullah Tarar noting that Pakistan and Sri Lanka share relations founded on trust, respect and common values.Tara emphasized that cooperation in sports not only fosters unity among the younger generation but also serves as a powerful bridge, strengthening the bonds of friendship between the peoples of both nations.The minister expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan government and its leadership for fostering stronger cooperation in the field of sports. He emphasized that Pakistan is undertaking significant initiatives to advance sports diplomacy in the region.The minister said that the Sri Lankan Deputy Minister’s visit to Pakistan, despite the ongoing budget session of the Sri Lankan Parliament, underscores the deep-rooted and trusted friendship between the two nations.He expressed confidence that the visit will pave the way for new opportunities in bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of sports and youth development.The Sri Lankan delegation praised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the outstanding arrangements made for the Tri-Nation Cricket Series.They highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also conveyed his appreciation to the Sri Lankan team and government during a luncheon held in honour of the participating sides on Wednesday.Commending Pakistan’s gracious hospitality and dedication to advancing sports diplomacy, the delegation confirmed its attendance at the ongoing Tri-Nation Series matches in Pakistan.Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Seneviratne , along with Deputy High Commissioner Christie Ruben and Minister Counsellor (Defence) Brigadier G.A.K.R. Gunaratne, attended the meeting, underscoring the strong diplomatic and defence ties between the two nations.
