Today Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka celebrates its 63rd Anniversary of Independence.
I myself and on behalf of my fellow members of Pakistan - Sri Lanka Business Forum congratulate on this auspicious occasion, His Excellency, Mahinda Rajapaksa President, H.E. Ratnasiri Wikramanayaka, The Prime Minister; H.E. Rohitha Bogollagama M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pakistan, H.E. D. W. Jinadasa Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi, Pakistan; all the officials of Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad; Officials of Consulate of Sri Lanka in Karachi, all the Citizens of Sri Lanka and Members of Sri Lankan Community based in Pakistan.
The Sri Lankan Politicians who struggled to get their State independence without shedding a drop of blood through non Violence Policy, changed Ceylon from Colonical rule to an independent Sovereign State of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on 4th February 1948. Their heroic forces with sacrifices, courage and determination liberated Sri Lanka from the strong hold of terror once believed to be invincible. Thus making Sri Lanka a model and example on how terrorism should be defeated. Sri Lanka's President H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa launched a decisive humanitarian operation to free their motherland from the clutches of terror.
Sri Lanka imparted diplomatic initiatives for the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the South Asia Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC). Sri Lanka is also member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the Asian Co-operation Dialogue (ACD) and the Shangri-La Dialogue, whilst strengthening co-operation within the existing regional and multilateral forum, such as the Commonwealth, the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have many similarities which include geographical location and cultural values and availability of direct shipping facility. I can proudly say that formation of our Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum was made at the highest level and Memorandum Signing Ceremony that was witnessed by the then Honourable Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, President of Sri Lanka.
Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum (PSLBF) was founded in June 2005. Since PSLBF activation - PSLBF is acting as a Trade, Cultural and bilateral relations promotion bridge between our two brotherly nations. It has hosted programmes where Chief Guest like President of Sri Lanka His Excellency Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa and Hon'ble Ministers on different occasions have graced the programmes. The delegation led by PSLBF was fortunate as His Excellency the President also gave the audience and discussed mutually beneficial business plans. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy excellent bilateral relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Pakistan has extended her fullest support and assistance to Sri Lanka in times of crises and emergencies.
PSLBF with co-operation of Consulate and Embassy of Sri Lanka and Chamber of Commerce of both the Countries organised participation in Trade Fairs, Exhibitions, exchanged investment and trade delegations and organized trade, investment, tourism and FTA Seminars. Both the Countries Organized Single Country Exhibitions. Sri Lanka participated in "My Kalachi - Oasis of Harmony" in Karachi. Pakistan participated in "IMEXPRO" International Exhibition in Sri Lanka.
Trade and Investment Development from Ceylon Chamber of Commerce visited Karachi, Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum delegation, also visited Sri Lanka and met the highest level dignitaries of Sri Lanka to promote bilateral Trade and Investment in both Countries.
The Consulate General also promoted the Cultivation of Coconut Plant and the promotional campaign of Herbal Cosmetics. Pakistan is the second largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the SAARC Region. The value of total trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has increased about 200%. The Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA) which came into force from 12th June 2005 has paved the way to enhance the bilateral Trade.
The two countries are now negotiating for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which incorporates trade in goods, services, investment and customers' co-operation. It would be observed that there are vast opportunities and potentials available in both Countries for investments, Joint Ventures, Tourism, shipping, Banking, Insurance, Construction, Educational and Health facilities.
Availing the liberal Trade Policy of Sri Lanka with India, Pakistan can take advantage by importing many items from India Via Sri Lanka that India cannot export directly to Pakistan. In the end, I sincerely look forward and assure constructive role of Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum in strengthening the relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and build a road-map for increasing the Trade and Investments to many folds in the years to come. I also wish for Sri Lanka, stable growth in its economy as well as true and time tested friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Long Live Pakistan Sri Lanka Friendship