Pakistan offers Lanka $50mn defence credit line, sports development aid, culture centre

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa gesture at the end of the Trade and Investments conference, during Khan’s two-day visit, in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa gesture at the end of the Trade and Investments conference, during Khan’s two-day visit, in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday. 
Pakistan yesterday offered $50 million new credit line to Sri Lanka for co-operation in the field of defence and security. 
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Khan at the conclusion of his visit to the island nation. “The two sides stressed the need for stronger partnership for supporting and co-ordinating with each other in dealing with matters related to security, terrorism, organised crime and drug and narcotic trafficking as well as intelligence-sharing,” a Joint Communique issued by the Foreign Ministries of the two countries said. Pakistan will also provide Rs52 million for promotion of sports in Sri Lanka. At an interactive session with the sports community, the PM, who led Pakistan to World Cup victory in 1992, announced the commissioning of the ‘Imran Khan High Performance Sports Centre’ in Colombo as well. Pakistan will also establish Asian Civilisation and Culture Centre at University of Peradeniya at the famous tourist resort of Kandy.