It is with great expectation that we look forward to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Independence on 04th of February 2013. On this occasion I would like to extend the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, greeting and best wishes of H E Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, 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. It has proved that during the last year Sri Lanka Pakistan relationship developed further when H E the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa paid a three day state visit to Pakistan. During the visit Sri Lanka and Pakistan signed three Memorandums of Understanding to promote co-operation in the fields of Trade, Technical Education and Media.
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. Marked increase was shown in trade between the countries consequent to the free trade agreement. Two ways trade has continued to register considerable growth. This increase as continued steadily and during the year 2012 bilateral trade between two countries was increased rapidly.
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 eradicate the terrorism in Sri Lanka.
If you look back in the 65th Independent Day what have been achieved is remarkable after eliminating terrorism totally in 2009, country had taken a steady path of progress, the economy had been growing steadily and continues to do so. Resettlement of the people who were displaced by the war is almost complete. Sri Lanka has become popular destination to the tourists around the world. The growth in tourist arrival had been continuing steadily since 2009. Sri Lanka now is looking forward to achieve a further progress in all fields especially in the field of Trade, Economic, Tourism, Technology and Services.
On this National Day, I look forward to work closely with the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Sri Lankan community residing in Pakistan to further develop and strengthening the friendly relations existing between our two countries and peoples.