Sialkot lynching will have no impact on the two countries’ amicable relations: SL HC Mohan Wijewickrama

ISLAMABAD, Dec 06 (SABAH): Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama has assured that the Sialkot lynching will have no impact on the two countries’ amicable relations.

“Pakistan and Sri Lanka are friends and will remain friends. I assure you that this incident will not affect our relations,” said the Sri Lankan High Commissioner while talking to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation headed by Arshad Dad for offering condolences on the murder of Priyantha Kumara in Sialkot by factory workers. The PTI delegation also presented bouquet of flowers to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner.

While talking on the occasion, Sri Lanka’s high commissioner praised the Pakistani government’s support and thanked the Pakistani people for their sympathies and condolences, stating that the incident was unfortunate.

Lauding the steps taken by the government of Pakistan, Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama said that a large number of people have been arrested since Friday, when the incident took place in Sialkot.

“I am sure that the government of Pakistan will take steps to ensure that the family of Priyanta Deyawanda Kumar gets justice. This is a murder. The Sri Lankan government is sure that it [the incident] has nothing to do with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. We have seen that Pakistan has taken immediate action” he added.

“We don’t need to claim we’re friends; Pakistan and Sri Lanka have social, defence, and commerce ties, and this incident will not impact the existing relationship,” he said. He said that the remains of a 48-year old Sri Lankan citizen had been sent to Colombo.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Arshad Dad apologised on behalf of the party to the Sri Lankan high commissioner, saying it was unfortunate that religion was used in such an incident.