ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relations through enhanced cultural cooperation, with a special focus on promoting heritage, arts, and religious tourism.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Fred Seneviratne at the offices of the National Heritage and Culture Division (NHCD).
Secretary NHCD, Asad Rehman Gilani and Honorary Advisor to the Federal Minister Syed Usman Shah were also present on the occasion.
The meeting focused on promoting the rich cultural heritage, arts, and historical traditions of both countries.
Pakistan, Sri Lanka agree to enhance cultural cooperation, promote heritage and religious tourism
Both sides emphasized the importance of organizing joint cultural exhibitions, art displays, and heritage programmes to provide platforms for artists, craftsmen, and cultural institutions from Pakistan and Sri Lanka to showcase their work.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy, stating that the Prime Minister is keen to establish joint cultural ventures with Sri Lanka and other friendly countries.
He announced that instructions would be issued to the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka to facilitate the display of Pakistani architectural models and cultural exhibits.
Highlighting Pakistan’s unique Buddhist heritage, the minister said the Gandhara civilisation and its archaeological sites could serve as a major attraction for religious tourism.
“People-to-people contact through religious tourism will be a great channel for cultural communication,” he remarked, adding that reputable tour operators from both countries would be engaged to arrange special religious and cultural tours.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner welcomed the initiative and expressed keen
interest in the architectural and cultural artefacts preserved in Pakistani museums, particularly those in Taxila and Lahore.
Secretary NHCD, Asad Rehman Gilani informed the meeting that virtual tours of major Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan are already available, enabling global audiences to explore the country’s rich cultural legacy.
Both sides agreed that cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in promoting mutual understanding, people-to-people contacts, and long-term friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
They also agreed to work closely to plan and implement joint cultural exhibitions and events in both countries to further deepen their longstanding friendly relations.
