By Adnan Hameed TWA _____ Pakistani and Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry level consultations are scheduled to take place on July 30, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Islamabad, Pakistan. This significant meeting marks the resumption of high-level dialogues after a two-year hiatus. The Pakistani delegation will be led by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, while the Sri Lankan delegation will be headed by Foreign Secretary Aruni Yasodha Wijewardane. Key discussions will center on enhancing trade, investment, tourism, and cultural and sports exchanges, authoritative sources have confirmed. Sri Lanka, the first country to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan in 2004, allowing free trade up to one billion US dollars, remains a vital trade partner. However, sources indicate that there is a need to elevate trade relations to a higher level. Recent efforts by MOFA to promote Buddhist tourism for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims, including the very successful International Conference on the Gandhara Trail held in Islamabad last May on Wesak Day, will also be a topic of discussion. Additionally, the improvement of direct air connectivity between Colombo and Islamabad is on the agenda, with Air Sial, a Pakistani-owned airline, receiving Pakistan Cabinet approval to commence direct flights to Colombo. Sri Lanka continues to remember with gratitude the unconditional support provided by Pakistan during its fight against LTTE terrorists, including military hardware and training that significantly contributed to eradicating terrorism. Mrs. Aruni Wijewardane, a career diplomat with extensive experience in international organizations, will lead the Sri Lankan delegation. She will be supported by Admiral (Retd) Ravi Wijegunaratne, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Islamabad, who was awarded the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) medal by the Pakistan government in 2019. The delegation also includes Director SAARC and South Asia at Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, and Ms. Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy. These consultations are expected to further cement the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, paving the way for increased collaboration and mutual benefit.