Call for stronger cultural ties with Sri Lanka

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Jamal Shah has called for strengthening cultural and literary relations with Sri Lanka to advance bilateral ties.

He said this during a live performance of a Sri Lankan cultural troupe comprised of Chandana Wickrarmasighe and the Dancers’ Guild at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

The cultural show was jointly organised by the National Heritage and Culture Division, PNCA and Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Charge De Affair Augustine Christy Ruban, Sri Lankan High Commission Deputy Head of Mission U. L. Niyas, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi Jagath Abeywarna and PNCA Director General were also present.

On the occasion, the dance troupe entertained the audience with traditional, folk, creative and modern dancing and received great applause from the audience at jam packed auditorium of PNCA. The Federal Minister Jamal Shah also met with the troupe artists and expressed his happiness with their mesmerising performance.

He said Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy cordial relations in all walks of life adding that the Pakistan-Sri Lanka relationship is rooted in shared cultural ties as Pakistan hosts ancient relics and architecture which is central to Buddhist heritage in the Taxila.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 16^th, 2023.