Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry paid a visit to Colombo’s historic Gangaramaya Temple on Tuesday, where he met the Chief Monk, Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, as part of a goodwill engagement aimed at strengthening cultural and religious ties between the two countries.
Minister Junaid Chaudhry conveyed Pakistan’s deep sorrow and solidarity over the destruction caused by the recent cyclone that battered parts of Sri Lanka. He offered heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, expressing empathy for the families affected and reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to stand with Sri Lanka during its recovery efforts.
The meeting also touched on deep-rooted Buddhist heritage links between the two nations. Junaid Chaudhry extended a formal invitation to the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple to visit Pakistan and view the revered Buddhist relics preserved in the country’s museums and archaeological sites.
Dr. Assaji Nayaka Thero accepted the invitation, noting that such exchanges could further enrich the shared cultural and spiritual connections between Sri Lankan Buddhists and Pakistan’s custodians of ancient Buddhist heritage, particularly from the Gandhara civilization.
During the discussion, the Chief Monk informed the minister that a major cultural festival is currently being organized in Sri Lanka and encouraged Pakistan to participate. He requested that Islamabad send a Pakistani cultural troupe to join the event, saying that artistic representation from Pakistan would add depth to the festival’s international dimension. Junaid Chaudhry welcomed the suggestion and assured that the proposal would be conveyed to the relevant cultural authorities in Islamabad.
The minister’s visit to the Gangaramaya Temple is seen as part of broader efforts by both countries to enhance cultural diplomacy and foster people-to-people connections beyond traditional political and economic channels.
