KATHMANDU, June 13: The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Golam Sarwar, paid a courtesy call on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President Secretariat in Colombo on Wednesday. This visit is part of Sarwar’s introductory consultations with member states.

During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe congratulated Sarwar on his appointment as the 15th Secretary General of SAARC. Secretary General Sarwar, in turn, expressed gratitude for Sri Lanka’s unwavering support to the SAARC process since its inception in December 1985. He voiced his optimism about receiving continued backing from Sri Lanka to enhance regional cooperation under SAARC’s framework.

Sarwar briefed President Wickremesinghe on the current activities and challenges faced by SAARC, seeking Sri Lanka’s assistance in reinvigorating the organization. He highlighted the recent progress in holding Governing Board Meetings of all SAARC Regional Centers and Specialized Bodies and expressed his intention to organize higher-level meetings of the Chartered Bodies in consultation with SAARC Chair Nepal soon.

President Wickremesinghe commended the Secretary General’s initiatives and urged further steps to revitalize SAARC, stressing the association’s importance in fulfilling the aspirations of the region’s people for prosperity and development.

In a significant development, President Wickremesinghe agreed to provide a permanent venue for the SAARC Cultural Center in Colombo, in line with the Headquarters Agreement between the Center and Sri Lanka, as noted in a press release by the SAARC Secretariat.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to SAARC, President Wickremesinghe pledged comprehensive support to achieve the association’s goals of sustainable and integrated regional development.