Humanitarian support: Sri Lankan military lauds Pakistan Navy efforts

Admiral Zakaullah says PN will work for further cementing the bond of friendship

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah has said that prompt and timely help to Sri Lankan people was a display of unflinching resolve by the Pakistan Navy (PN) in support of a friendly nation in times of need.

The naval chief said this during his official visit to Sri Lanka where he called on Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka Armed Forces Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake and the commanders of Sri Lanka’s army, navy and air force. A ceremonial guard of honour was also presented to the naval chief at the three services headquarters.



Upon his arrival at the Sri Lankan Naval Headquarters, Admiral Zakaullah was received by Commander Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne.

During the meeting, Admiral Zakaullah dilated upon matters of mutual interest and bilateral naval collaboration. The Sri Lankan Navy commander acknowledged the significance of close and strong bilateral association in diverse realms between the two navies.

Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne thanked the naval chief for prompt and timely support during the devastated floods in Sri Lanka and highly appreciated professional acumen and commitment of PN personnel, displayed during the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.



Admiral Zakaullah said that the PN would go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

He also called on Chief of Defence Staff Sri Lanka Armed Forces Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake, Commander of Army Lieutenant General AWJ Crishanthe De Silva and Commander of Air Force Air Marshal Kapila Veedhiya Bandara Jayampathy in separate meetings.

Admiral Zakaullah also looked forward to further enhancing the interaction between the two countries in the diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.

Earlier, Admiral Zakaullah also attended the passing out parade as chief guest and interacted with the newly-commissioned officers.

It is expected that the recent visit of the naval chief will further enhance and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and armed forces in particular.