Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah called for further strengthening cultural and literary relations with Sri Lanka to further cement bilateral ties.

He stated this during a live performance of Sri Lankan cultural troupe comprised of Chandana Wickrarmasighe and the Dancers’ Guild at Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad on Tuesday night.

The cultural show was jointly organized by National Heritage and Culture Division, PNCA, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in collaboration with Consulate General of Sri Lanka Karachi aiming to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Diplomatic relations of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The Minister said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy cordial relations in all walks of life that are firmly based on mutual trust. He said that Pakistan-Sri Lanka relationship is rooted in shared cultural ties as Pakistan hosts ancient relics and architecture central to Buddhist heritage in the Taxila.

Augustine Christy Ruban, Charge De Affair and Mr U. L. Niyas Deputy Head of Mission Sri Lanka High Commission, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi Jagath Abeywarna and Director General PNCA were also present on the occasion.

The dance troupe entertained the audience with traditional, folk, creative and modern dancing and got big applause from the audience at jam packed auditorium of PNCA.

Chandana Wickrarmasighe and the Dancers’ Guild of Sri Lanka, a dance troupe entertained the audience with traditional, folk, creative and modern dancing in the show.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi Jagath Abeywarna said on the occasion that Chandana an acclaimed dancer and founder of the Dancers’ Guild, has bagged many local and international awards for outstanding choreography, rhythm, style and character. He further said that the Guild is committed to promote traditional and fusion dance acts merging culture and contemporary music; displaying passion and imagination through stimulating movements and vibrant beats.