Trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan were functioning smoothly, though Sri Lanka was going through calamities caused by ruthless bombing in the weeks leading to Freedom-Day celebrations.   Pakistani stalls took prominence among many foreign exhibitors who participated at the premier Lankan exhibition "Deyata Kirula," held from February 7 to 10 as part of Sri Lanka’s celebrations of independence. 

The exhibition held nearly 1000 different stalls, exhibiting a range of goods and services.  Tens of thousands visited the exhibition on Saturday amidst stringent security checking.  

Carpets and costume jewelry from Pakistan were much visited stalls among nearly 20 representing Asian and European regions.  Lankan consumers described Pakistani wares as a ‘worthy purchase.’  Many expressed their interest in seeing more Pakistani goods at consumer fares. 

"We were surprised at the variety of Pakistani goods and services at the trade exhibition earlier this year.  We hope to see them more often whether it is trade exhibitions or this kind of (consumer) exhibitions," said Amal Perera, a businessman from Colombo Fort.

Speaking about the costume jewelry available at the exhibition, visitor Darshani De Silva (35) a housewife said that they brought "Good quality at reasonable prices.  Though good quality items are available in Sri Lanka, Pakistani prices are more reasonable and affordable," she said. 

Shivaram Rajan (53), an executive in a private company had an eye on some choice carpets as he visited the stalls on Saturday. 

AyA International from Lahore and Pakistan Carpets from Rawalpindi were two companies seen exhibiting their wares at the Lankan exhibition.  Both exhibitors reasoned participation at the Lankan exhibition was due to the success of the initial trade visit, made earlier in the year from January 11 to 13, 2008. 

"I see much potential in the country," said Zaira R. Khan, Project Manager, AyA International.  The company will open an outlet in Colombo by April, she said.