Today, the 4th February 2011 marks a very significant day being the 63rd Anniversary of Sri Lanka's Independence from colonial rule. I would on this occasion extend to the government and people of Pakistan, greetings and best wishes of H.E. the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government and the people of Sri Lanka.
From almost the beginning of our independence Pakistan has been a very close, cordial and co-operative friend, always ready to assist in times of need. After independence, our bilateral relationship has been a comprehensive, multifaceted and all embracing relationship extending to the entire government of socio, economic, political, cultural, education and defence spheres.
Political or regime change in either country has not affected this relationship in any way. In fact the frequent and regular contacts through high level visits and regular discussion between the leaders of the two countries helped in renewing and reinforcing the relationship further. Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been trading partners from historical times. The trend continued after Pakistan was created and Sri Lanka became independent, and was given a boost in 2005, when Pakistan signed its first Free Trade Agreement with Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Pakistan relationship has not been limited only to trade and a special mention must be made about the assistance given by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka on the defence field. It is no secret to any Sri Lankan that the assistance given by Pakistan is what has contributed mostly to crush the terrorism in Sri Lanka.
If you look back on this 63rd Independence Day, what have been achieved is remarkable. Sri Lanka had been able to totally eliminate the terrorism that troubled the country for almost three decades, economy has grown steadily, particularly, during the last five years Sri Lanka had been able to record a steady growth and the per capital income had doubled. Today, Sri Lanka is looking forward to achieve a better progress in all fields.
On this National Day I would like to take this opportunity to wish the people and the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Sri Lankan community residing in Pakistan, peace and prosperity in the coming years.