A delegation of Monks calls on Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs & Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that there are deep-rooted friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka which are strengthening with the passage of time.

He was talking to a delegation of Buddhist monks led by Speaker Sri Lankan Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, which is on a 7-day goodwill visit to Pakistan, here today.

Minister for Auqaf Ata Manika, Ramesh Singh Arora MPA, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Dr. Sarfraz Ahmad Khan Sipra and his wife, Managing Director Sri TV Chanaka Gunathunga, Director Foreign Affairs Chrishanti Fernando and others were also present on the occasion.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu warmly welcomed the delegation in Lahore and described the visit as a milestone in promotion of friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He informed the delegation in detail about the steps taken by the Punjab government for protection of the rights of minorities, women empowerment, development of education, health, information technology, sports, tourism and other sectors.

Sri Lankan Speaker appreciated the measures of Punjab government and stressed the need for promotion of political and cultural contacts between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He said that emphasis would be laid on further promotion of cooperation between the member countries during next SAARC conference. Later, a luncheon was hosted in honour of the delegation at a local hotel while gifts were also exchanged.