By Adnan Hameed TWA _____ Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Aruni Wijewardena, currently visiting Islamabad for Foreign Office consultations, participated in a tree plantation drive to welcome the monsoonal rainy season by planting a Maple sapling. The event took place at the newly acquired 1.75-acre land designated for the new Sri Lanka High Commission and residence complex in the Diplomatic Enclave of Islamabad. Wijewardena was joined by a delegation from the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, including Director General South Asia and Public Diplomacy, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, and Deputy Director South Asia, Prashanthi Krishnamoorthy. High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan Admiral (Retired) Ravi Wijegunaratne, Defence Advisor Brigadier Kaminda Silva, and other officials from the High Commission, along with their families, also participated in the ceremony.

The new High Commission and residence complex will replace the current rented properties in Islamabad, providing a permanent and prestigious presence for Sri Lanka in Pakistan. The tree plantation drive symbolizes the growth and strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability and mutual cooperation. Speaking at the event, Foreign Secretary Wijewardena highlighted the significance of this initiative: "Planting this sapling represents the deep-rooted friendship and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It is a symbol of our commitment to a greener and more prosperous future." The ceremony concluded with a collective effort by the attendees to plant additional saplings, marking a memorable step towards a greener diplomatic enclave and a testament to the enduring camaraderie between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.