The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Fred Senevirathne, met Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi to advance cooperation on cultural preservation, heritage protection and the promotion of religious tourism.
The delegation included Most Venerable Thebo, a distinguished Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka, and discussions highlighted Pakistan’s openness to Buddhist pilgrims and visitors wishing to explore sites linked to the Gandhara Civilization. The Federal Minister underlined Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate religious and cultural tourism and to support stronger people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
Rear Admiral Senevirathne welcomed the hospitality and said he looked forward to deepening bilateral relations and expanding opportunities for cultural collaboration and visits by Buddhist communities. Both sides exchanged views on improving protection and rehabilitation protocols for heritage sites and on practical steps to increase cultural exchange programs.
Most Venerable Thebo expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts to preserve Buddhist monuments and urged greater awareness in Sri Lanka about Pakistan’s role in safeguarding shared history. The delegation was invited to visit key sites including Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Swat Valley and Thul, and to experience the Islamabad Museum’s new Immersive Gallery.
Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rahman Gilani briefed the visitors on ongoing preservation work and repatriation efforts, noting that Pakistan has recovered about 1,000 artifacts from Italy and is pursuing the return of thousands more from Australia. The proposed establishment of a Gandhara Corner in Islamabad was discussed as a tangible step to preserve and showcase Gandhara Heritage for visitors and scholars.
The Federal Minister described Sri Lanka as a valued friend and stressed that while cultural traditions may differ, the region shares a common legacy. He affirmed that Pakistan will continue prioritising cultural diplomacy, artifact protection and expanded exchange programs to strengthen long-term ties with Sri Lanka.
