Pakistan, Sri Lanka eye fresh tourism, education, cultural initiatives

August 10, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Sri Lanka have identified a series of new initiatives to deepen cooperation in tourism, culture, education and institutional exchanges, as both countries look to build on their longstanding bilateral friendship.

A meeting held at the office of Advisor to the Prime Minister on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan in Islamabad brought together the tourism adviser and Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Fred Senevirathne, who was received warmly along with his delegation upon arrival.

The discussion centered on expanding tourism collaboration between the two countries and identifying fresh avenues to promote greater interaction, with particular focus on strengthening ties through the tourism sector, according to APP.

An overview of Sri Lanka's prevailing political and economic landscape was shared during the meeting, alongside details of the island nation's diverse tourism offerings and ongoing efforts to draw international visitors.

Plans were outlined to hold a Sri Lanka Tea Tasting Day, a Sri Lanka Food Festival and a Sri Lanka Tourism Road Show in Islamabad, aimed at introducing Pakistani audiences, the travel trade and other stakeholders to the country's tea, cuisine, cultural traditions and tourist destinations.

Religious, medical and adventure tourism emerged as additional areas with strong potential to boost tourist exchanges between the two nations.

The possibility of setting up Travel Operators and Student Exchange Programmes was also explored, with a view to enabling professional, educational and cultural engagement.

A Chefs Training and Exchange Programme was proposed as well, offering culinary professionals from both sides a platform to exchange expertise and present the distinct food traditions of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

In response, an Annual Tourism Promotional Events Calendar was suggested to ensure better coordination and continuity of tourism activities between the two countries, along with the idea of pursuing Memoranda of Understanding between museums and cultural institutions on both sides.

Such agreements, it was noted, could pave the way for cultural exchanges, joint exhibitions, expertise-sharing and joint efforts to preserve historical heritage.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to exploring new avenues of cooperation in tourism, culture, education and institutional exchanges, noting that such collaboration would strengthen people-to-people contacts and deepen the enduring friendship between the two countries.

A. Christy Ruban, Head of Chancery at the High Commission of Sri Lanka, was also present at the meeting.

Copyright Mettis Link News