Pakistan Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman will arrive in Colombo today (Oct 12) afternoon on a brief visit. Air Force headquarters said that the visiting official would meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Air Force Chief Air Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke and the defence top brass.

Pakistan has remained one of Sri Lanka’s closest allies since the eruption of the Eelam war in 1983. An authoritative source told The Island that Pakistan had provided SLAF training, logistical assistance, maintenance of F7 jet fighters and C 130 medium lift aircraft, and technical expertise. Suleman is scheduled to visit the SLAF base at China Bay. (SF)