By Fatima Mushfika
The relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is a long and dense history. Its beginning emerges with the independence from the exploitations of the foreigners who subjugated the respective territories. Quaid- I – Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah- the first governor-general and founder of Pakistan once reported that,
“Pakistan has the warmest goodwill towards Ceylon, and I am sanguine that the good feeling which exist between our two people will be further strengthened as the years roll by and our common interests, and mutual and reciprocal handling of them, will bring us into still closer friendship.”
These two countries belong to the South Asian region where they share bilateral relations. Today they convey a strong bond with each other. They have stood when in hard times and defended each other. Pakistan has supported Sri Lanka in encountering the separatist group – the LTTE. They have provided necessary military support and training including Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Pakistan has been an immense support in defeating the long waged civil war. Similarly, Sri Lanka as well, has engaged in counterterrorism activities in occasions that mandated an assistance to Pakistan. Even during the recent times when the ex-prime minister Imran Khan visited Colombo, he helped with the negotiation with the government which ultimately revoked the rules of the forced cremation of Covid -19 deaths- which was a huge burden and chaos at that period. Likewise, they also mutually agreed upon boosting tourism with each other. This essay shall share how Sri Lanka can boost tourism with Pakistan. Foremost, there shall be special attention on attractive and notable places which will draw the attention of respective tourists.
Prior to that, it is crucial to understand that both of these countries are labelled as developing countries. These nations also have significant ups and downs where they have shouldered one another. Tourism as such has been one aspect.
Tourism – in its simple definition is a voluntary movement of individuals and people outside their common territory (their country) for personal or commercial purposes. It’s effects on economy, culture and society are massive. In fact, it ensures the bond within these countries while also securing peace, safety and understanding of the differences. This is fundamental. The mode of travel between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is by air. Further, these countries attract each other with several beautiful places such as cultural and religious sites, beaches, and much more historical heritages. The tourists who visit each other places have a great sense of belongingness owing to the environment while enjoying several distinct places and sites. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist majority country while Pakistan on the other hand is a Muslim nation. Sri Lanka also is a multi-ethnic island. Recently, after Easter attack there has been a constructed racism which has brought a split within the two different ethnicities. At a time like this, when Pakistan strengthens their ties with Sri Lanka, this will ensure peace and harmony. It will also motivate people to pursue knowledge about their significant differences while providing a suitable environment for communication.
Regardless of Pakistan being a Muslim country, it exhibits ancient relics and architecture at Punjabi City that has Buddhist value. The Gandhara Art- a Buddhist oriented Art is a significant religious attraction to Sri Lankans. The ancient chief city – Taxila is known to be a vital cultural centre that attracts Sri Lankans even today.
Apart from the cultural significant place, Pakistan also holds picturesque places like the Swat Valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The place gives a surreal experience of panoramic views. The green land posses’ forests such as Ushu Forest which holistically contain deodar trees. Also, Pakistan has number of beautiful places and villages like Hunza. Here there are multiple scenic places that satisfies your eyes and soul. Passu Cones, Attabad Lake, Eagles nest are some of them.
Further, Lahore is another important place of visit for any historical lovers. The Mughal art still persists as stimulating depiction. There are beautiful artistic mosques as well, such as Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan Mosque.
Also, tourists who desire to see a surrounding with different species of animals and birds can visit Hingol National Park. The visitors are expected have their own mode of transportation within the boundaries. In addition, the Deosai Plains National Park is another separate visiting destination of stunning plateau. This is one of the most famous places and said to be accessible during summer vacations.
Despite the listing given above there are several other stunning places of visit that deserves a mandatory visit to Pakistan. The country is full of various and different sites. It welcomes site-seekers, hikers and any tourist who is willing to enjoy the differences of culture with unique and outstanding places. Sri Lankans – with a predominant Buddhist population will definitely witness noble, magnanimous, and exceptionally unique places.
Similarly, Pakistanis as well, shall enjoy many significant places at Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka being a multi-cultural country contains different historical places. This includes places such as historical residences like Sigiriya the rock, Temple of the Tooth Relic that stands in the heart of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and much more. It also exhibits many seas and beaches like Hikkaduwa, Galle Face Green, Nilawali, Arugambay and so on. These sea views are the most notable and most desired destination by tourists. Each and every beach is uniquely different from one another and acknowledges different experiences.
More so, to witness the countryside charm- places like Ella, Riverston including Knuckles, Adams Peak are for significant mountain climbers. Sri Lanka is also a wonder island with many breathtaking places. There are world famous places that belong to world heritages as well. The Sinharaja forest is one among them and is a natural, tangible heritage.
Sri Lanka is a tourist destination, and it will definitely not disappoint the Pakistanis from enjoying a satisfying trip with multiple and divergent experiences.
Boosting the tourism industry
Overall, the two countries Sri Lanka and Pakistan are of outstanding and remarkable places that has several destinations to visit. It is in essence that both countries need to promote tourism to build healthy and strong ties. These nations have been in good relationship with each other. Likewise, it is compulsory of every individual to continue the goodness with utmost respect and comprehension. This can be credibly done by touring to the respective countries. This will ensure different experience such as enjoying cultural differences, enjoying the flavors of different cuisine and so forth.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan must initiate steps to boost the industry by highlighting their independent history and culture along with their unique experiences. They must also focus on places that draw attention of different interests. This will welcome tourists and also shall increase the percentage of their incoming into each other’s country. It is said that the percentage of tourism has likely have dropped massively in last years. This could be improved by strategic implementations towards tourism.
This brings us to the fact of creating job opportunities such as travel guiders by giving them professional trainings to improve the quality of guidance and similarities to have healthy conversations with tourists. It is compulsory that government focus more on providing a comfortable and a safe society to these incomers regardless of their differences from the locals. There also needs to have an awareness within the country ensuring a healthy and a hospitable relationship with the visitors.
Moreover, the best prospective places as afore mentioned need to be marketed. For this, we can invite famous youtubers who are bloggers and travelers to encourage visiting these countries. This will bring an exposure to the places which will further increase their number. In fact, this will promote a high revenue. We also need to remember that these two countries are lower-income country and hence need attractive remunerations and discounted plans to increase the percentage of the tourists. For instance, the government can initiate reliable websites to encourage tourists with proper guidance. This can include details of their charges, safety and comfort which are major expectations. Thus, it needs to be active and vibrant and needs to be constantly updated owing to any situation within the country.
Likewise, several strategic and diplomatic implementations can build the tourist industry between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, immensely. Let us promote tourism between these countries and secure the best of interests through building the tourist sector for unity and growth.