In a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation, Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), held key bilateral meetings in Islamabad on Tuesday (April 29) with top Pakistani officials, underscoring the island nation’s commitment to bolstering defence and economic ties with its South Asian neighbours.
During the visit, the Defence Secretary met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, as part of the ongoing defence dialogue between the two nations. He was accompanied by Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Chandana Wickramasinghe.
In a separate engagement, Thuyacontha also held discussions with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema. The dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in economic development and fostering seamless trade ties.
The meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s strategic approach to regional peace, security, and development, reinforcing its dedication to collaborative progress across South Asia. As a gesture of goodwill, both sides exchanged mementoes at the conclusion of the talks.
These high-level interactions are expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in both defence and economic spheres.
