A reception to mark the National Day of Pakistan, was held on Monday evening in Colombo.

Speaking on the occasion Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General Qasim Qureshi said that Sri Lanka should be given time to deal with anonymous challenges arising out of its long struggle against terrorism.

Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and representatives from international missions in Sri Lanka were among those present at the occasion.

Speaking at the event , Major General (R ) Qasim Qureshi said: “During the last one year, significant developments have taken place in Pakistan. A new democratically-elected government is in power since may 2013. Its two main priorities include the revival of the economy and elimination of terrorism. To deal with the problem with terrorism, the government is combining the use of force and negotiations.”

“As regards  the foreign policy, our government is actively engaged with all neighbouring countries in an effort to create a peaceful neighbourhood. I also wish to reiterate that Pakistan support the point of view that Sri Lanka should be assisted in its internal process as well as given time to deal with enormous challenges arising out of its long struggle against terrorism,” he added.

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