Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne requested the High Commissioner of Pakistan to facilitate bringing to Sri Lanka the statue depicting the Buddha’s austerities (Fasting Buddha Statue), currently housed at the Lahore Museum in Pakistan, so that Sri Lankan devotees may have the opportunity to view and pay homage, the Parliament Media Division said.
The request was made when the newly appointed High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retired) Dr. Nayyar Naseer, called on Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament on April 21.
Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Zunaira Latif and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera were also present.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner said it was a “great pleasure and honour” to serve in Sri Lanka for the first time, describing the country as a friendly nation with a rich cultural heritage. He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening long-standing bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation to a more productive level.
The Speaker congratulated the High Commissioner on his appointment and expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Pakistan for their continued support to Sri Lanka during challenging periods. He recalled Pakistan’s assistance during critical moments, including the war period and the devastation caused by Cyclone “Ditwah,” describing such support as a true expression of friendship.
He also commended Pakistan’s role as an active contributor to fostering global unity, noting that the Sri Lanka–Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association has opened new avenues to deepen engagement between the legislatures of both countries.
Responding to the Speaker’s request regarding the Fasting Buddha Statue, the High Commissioner indicated his willingness to explore the matter.
He also highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential for further development in tourism, citing its natural beauty and hospitality, and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to share expertise in modern, technology-based agriculture.
During his visit, the High Commissioner also met Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, including expanding educational scholarship programmes and enhancing knowledge-sharing among parliamentarians.
He later called on Leader of the House and Minister Bimal Rathnayake, with whom he held discussions on a broad range of bilateral matters.
The Minister expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support following the Cyclone “Ditwah” disaster and recalled his participation in the International Conference of Regional Transport Ministers held in Pakistan last year. He said plans were underway to complete Sri Lanka’s proposed expressway network by the end of 2028.
Discussions also covered investment opportunities, tourism development, and programmes to promote exchanges between public representatives at parliamentary and local government levels, officials said.