Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva is currently in Pakistan to attend the Pakistan Day celebrations also known as the National Day Joint Services Parade.
He was invited as the guest of honour at the invitation of Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Gen. Silva had an audience with President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi at the President’s House on Friday.
Dr Arif Alvi said that Sri Lanka remains the most successful country to have crushed terrorism and Pakistan too has done so effectively. “Pakistan would strongly back Sri Lanka at the UNHRC and stand against those allegations as we have done in the past.”
While condemning the brutal Easter Sunday bomb attack, he underlined the need for both countries to work closely together in spheres of mutual interest in the future, too. He also commended Sri Lanka on her fight against the Covid-19 epidemic especially the preventive mechanism in place.
“On three of my previous visits to your country, Anuradhapura touched me very much, due to her beauty and old heritage. I plan to visit Sri Lanka again. Let us work together further promoting SAARC and spheres such as commerce, sports, education and environment conservation,” Dr. Alvi said.
General Shavendra Silva told the President of Pakistan that Pakistan has to-date remained a true friend of Sri Lanka during all her critical endeavours and the prevailing bonds of goodwill and understanding were further enhanced after the recent visit of Pakistan Prime Minister to the country.
Senior officials of the Pakistan Government and senior army officers, including the Adjutant General, Major General Sanjaya Wanasinghe of the Army were also present.
Gen. Shavendra Silva presented a memento to the President of Pakistan as a symbol of goodwill and sound bilateral relations.