Pakistani High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Shaheen A. Gilani said, it is a matter of great satisfaction that the two countries continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations in all fields.

The process of bilateral cooperation has been greatly assisted by increased interaction both at the level of the people and the highest government functionaries of the two countries, he noted.

"We rejoice at the fact that the relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is one of choice and not compulsion. It can serve as a shining example of cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international level," he told the Pakistan National Day ceremony in Colombo.

The people of Pakistan celebrate March 23 as their National Day every year to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic "Pakistan Resolution" on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of our beloved country Pakistan after seven years.

This year also the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Pakistani community celebrated National Day of Pakistan with traditional fervor and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic progressive tolerant and democratic Islamic welfare state.

High Commissioner Gilani hoisted the national flag. Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the participants.