Pakistan, Sri Lanka to deepen cooperation in sports, security, counter-narcotics

ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 (APP): Federal Interior Minister and Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi held key meetings with Sri Lankan Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage and Interior Minister Ananda Wijeyapala during his official visit to Colombo, agreeing to enhance cooperation across sports, security and counter-narcotics sectors.
In his meeting with the Sri Lankan Sports Minister, Naqvi discussed expanding bilateral collaboration for the promotion of sports, especially cricket. Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Sports and to work jointly for the development of cricket and other games.
“Warmth is growing in Pakistan–Sri Lanka relations, and cricket will further strengthen our ties,” Naqvi said, appreciating Sri Lanka’s exceptional arrangements for the T20 World Cup. He also thanked the Sri Lankan government and people for their “remarkable hospitality” and formally invited the Sri Lankan Sports Minister to visit Pakistan.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd.) Faheem-ul-Aziz, Advisor to PCB Chairman Aamir Mir, PCB COO Sameer Ahmed and PSL CEO Salman Naseer were also present during the meeting.
Later, Naqvi met Sri Lankan Interior Minister Ananda Wijeyapala, who welcomed him warmly at the Ministry of Interior. The two ministers reviewed avenues for deepening cooperation in internal security, counterterrorism and counter-narcotics.
They also discussed forming joint strategies to combat cybercrimes and financial fraud networks, and agreed to boost coordination to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
During the talks, Naqvi offered training opportunities for Sri Lankan police officers at Pakistan’s National Police Academy, noting that training exchange programmes would significantly enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies in both countries.
“Cooperation between the interior ministries will open new avenues in bilateral relations,” Naqvi stated, adding that Pakistan and Sri Lanka must work closely to counter the growing challenges of cyber and financial crimes.
Naqvi invited the Sri Lankan Interior Minister to visit Pakistan and conveyed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during his visit. The Sri Lankan minister affirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.
The visit marked a significant step toward expanding Pakistan-Sri Lanka partnership across multiple sectors, with both sides expressing optimism for deeper collaboration in the months ahead.