Pakistan, Sri Lanka Agree to Boost Cultural Cooperation and Religious Tourism
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through enhanced cultural cooperation, with a particular focus on promoting heritage, the arts and religious tourism.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Rear Admiral (Retd.) Fred Seneviratne at the offices of the National Heritage and Culture Division (NHCD).
Secretary NHCD Asad Rehman Gilani and Honorary Adviser to the Federal Minister Syed Usman Shah were also present at the meeting.
Both sides stressed the importance of organizing joint cultural exhibitions, art displays and heritage programs to provide platforms for artists, craftsmen and cultural institutions from Pakistan and Sri Lanka to showcase their work.
Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to cultural diplomacy, noting that the prime minister is keen to establish joint cultural initiatives with Sri Lanka and other friendly countries. He announced that instructions would be issued to the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka to facilitate the display of Pakistani architectural models and cultural exhibits.
Highlighting Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage, the minister said the Gandhara civilization and its archaeological sites have significant potential to attract religious tourism.
“People-to-people contact through religious tourism will be a great channel for cultural communication,” he said, adding that reputable tour operators from both countries would be engaged to arrange special religious and cultural tours.
The Sri Lankan high commissioner welcomed the initiative and expressed strong interest in the architectural and cultural artifacts preserved in Pakistani museums, particularly in Taxila and Lahore.
Secretary NHCD Asad Rehman Gilani informed the meeting that virtual tours of major Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan are already available, allowing global audiences to explore the country’s cultural legacy.
Both sides agreed that cultural diplomacy plays a key role in promoting mutual understanding, people-to-people exchanges and long-term friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They also agreed to work closely on planning and implementing joint cultural exhibitions and events in both countries to further deepen their longstanding ties.
The meeting focused on promoting the rich cultural heritage, arts and historical traditions shared by the two nations.
