Colombo, February 16, 2026: Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi held meetings in Colombo today with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala; Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage; and Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampatha Thuyacontha.
Upon his arrival at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Public Security, Minister Ananda Wijepala accorded a warm welcome to his Pakistani counterpart. During the meeting between the two Interior Ministers, discussions were held on enhancing bilateral cooperation in internal security, counterterrorism, and counternarcotics efforts. Both sides also exchanged views on developing a joint strategy against cybercrime and financial fraud networks.
It was agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration between the Ministries of Interior of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The two sides decided to improve coordination to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Matters relating to joint training programs for police and paramilitary forces were also discussed.
Mohsin Naqvi offered training opportunities for Sri Lankan police officers at the National Police Academy of Pakistan. He stated that officer exchange programs would enhance the professional capacity of forces in both countries and open new avenues of cooperation between the two Interior Ministries. He emphasized the need to expand collaboration to effectively combat cybercrime and financial crimes.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi invited his Sri Lankan counterpart to visit Pakistan and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Interior Minister welcomed his visit, stating that it was a matter of great pleasure for Sri Lanka and affirmed their commitment to promoting cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest.
In a separate meeting with Sri Lankan Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage, discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in sports, particularly cricket. Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration between the respective sports ministries and promote bilateral cooperation in cricket and other sports. Minister Naqvi stated that cricket and other sports would further strengthen bilateral relations. He also appreciated the excellent arrangements made during the T20 World Cup and thanked the Sri Lankan authorities for their hospitality. He extended an invitation to the Sri Lankan Sports Minister to visit Pakistan.
Separately, Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Sri Lanka’s Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampatha Thuyacontha. The meeting included discussions on Pakistan–Sri Lanka security cooperation and defence matters. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to further enhance bilateral security cooperation.
The Sri Lankan Defence Secretary acknowledged that Sri Lanka had also been a victim of terrorism and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s steadfast support to the Sri Lankan government in its fight against terrorism. Mohsin Naqvi stated that security relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have remained strong over the years and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening security cooperation with Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd.) Faheem Ul Aziz; Adviser to the Chairman PCB, Amir Mir; Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed; and Chief Executive Officer of the PSL Salman Naseer were also present on the occasion.
