COLOMBO: Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman of the Pakistan Air Force met Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena here on Tuesday and while pledging Pakistan’s unflinching support to his country, also briefed him about the current disturbances in India-held Kashmir.

According to a press release from the Pakistan High Commission, Air Chief Marshal Aman is in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit on the invitation of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal G.P. Bulattsinhala.

President Sirisena thanked Pakistan for the continuous assistance given to Sri Lanka for training its air force personnel and praised the support extended by it at international forums.

He said Pakistan had proved to be a true friend of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government and its people appreciated this.

Meanwhile, sources said that the visit of the PAF chief was likely to revive Pakistan’s bid to sell JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to Sri Lanka.

Announcing the visit, a Pakistan High Commission press release said that it would provide both sides an opportunity to review ongoing cooperation and collaboration between the two countries and to discuss ways and means to enhance it.

An attempt was made in late 2015 and early this year to sell the Sino-Pak jointly produced aircraft to Sri Lanka but it reportedly failed because India stood in the way.

Given the tense relations between Pakistan and India as a result of the month-long violent agitation in Kashmir, it was very likely that India would be ‘concerned’ if fresh efforts were made by to strike the aircraft deal, the sources said, adding that a development in this regard could not be ruled out. Sri Lanka considered Pakistan as a trusted and faithful friend, they added.

Sri Lankan Air Force Commander Gagana Bulathsinhala and Pakistani High Commissioner Syed Shakeel Hussain were also present at Monday’s meeting.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2016