Islamabad, January 16, 2026: The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral H.L.A. Fred Senevirathne (Retd.), paid a courtesy call on Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cultural and heritage cooperation.
During the meeting, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner conveyed Colombo’s keen interest in expanding collaboration in the fields of cultural heritage, arts, and people-to-people exchanges. He expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding friendship and support, particularly highlighting the assistance extended following the DITWA cyclone and during subsequent reconstruction efforts.
Emphasizing the deep historical and spiritual bonds between the two nations, the High Commissioner underlined the significance of their shared Buddhist heritage. He noted that Pakistan is home to some of the most important ancient Buddhist centres, including Taxila, Gandhara, Lahore, and Peshawar, which reflect centuries-old civilizational links with Sri Lanka.
In this context, he proposed exploring the organization of a Buddhist relic exposition in Sri Lanka, featuring sacred relics and artefacts preserved in Pakistan. He pointed out that Pakistan safeguards invaluable relics associated with Lord Buddha, including relic caskets and sacred remains discovered in ancient Gandhara-era stupas, currently housed in the Taxila Museum. Such an exhibition, he said, would provide Sri Lankan Buddhists an opportunity to venerate these relics while further deepening cultural and spiritual engagement between the two countries.
Welcoming the proposals, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi assured full support from the Government of Pakistan for all proposed initiatives. He also shared plans to send a Pakistani cultural troupe to Sri Lanka and to organize a cultural performance in coordination with the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo.
The minister stressed the importance of raising awareness among Sri Lankan Buddhists about Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage as a means of strengthening people-to-people ties. He further expressed his intention to invite Sri Lanka’s Minister of Culture to visit Pakistan to advance bilateral cultural relations.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong and friendly ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as their shared resolve to expand cooperation in culture, heritage, and people-to-people engagement.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner was accompanied by the Minister and Minister Counsellor of the Sri Lanka High Commission. The Secretary of Pakistan’s Ministry of Culture was also present at the meeting.
