Admiral Zakaullah meets top Sri Lankan military hierarchy

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah is on an official visit to Sri Lanka. During the visit, the naval chief called on Chief of Defence Staff Sri Lanka Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake and commanders of Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force. A ceremonial guard of honour was also presented to the naval chief at the three services headquarters.

Upon his arrival at the Sri Lankan Naval Headquarters, the admiral was received by Commander Sri Lankan Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra   C Wijegunaratne.  During the meeting, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah dilated upon matters of mutual interest and bilateral naval collaboration. Commander Sri Lankan Navy acknowledged the significance of close and strong bilateral naval association in diverse realms between the Pakistan Navy and Sri Lankan Navy. Vice Admiral  Wijegunaratne thanked the naval chief for prompt and timely support during the devastated floods in Sri Lanka and highly appreciated professional acumen and commitment of Pakistan Navy personnel, displayed during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Admiral Zakaullah expressed that prompt and timely help to Sri Lankan people was a display of Pakistan Navy’s unflinching resolve in support of a friendly nation in times of need, and further reiterated that the PN will go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

The naval chief also called on Chief of Defence Staff Sri Lanka Armed Forces, Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake, Commander of Army, Lieutenant General A W J Crishanthe De Silva, and Commander of Air Force Air Marshal Kapila Veedhiya Bandara Jayampathy in separate meetings. 

During the meetings, professional matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence ties were pondered upon. Military dignitaries acknowledged warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, based on strong defence foundations and historical ties and highly appreciated the role and contributions of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region. The top military leadership also applauded Pakistan Navy’s resolve and commitment in providing humanitarian assistance and support during the recent floods in Sri Lanka. 

 Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah also looked forward to further enhancing the interaction between both the countries in the diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.

Earlier, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah also attended the passing out parade as chief guest and interacted with newly commissioned officers.

 It is expected that the recent visit of the naval chief will further enhance and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and armed forces in particular.