The reception was attended by large gathering of guests which included Sri Lankan Ministers, Diplomats, Senior Officers of Armed forces, Top Government officials, business and media personalities, members of Pakistani community as well as officers of the High Commission of Pakistan. 

While welcoming the guests on behalf of Mission Commander and the entire crew members of the ship, Capt. Syed Rizwan Khalid thanked the Sri Lankan Navy and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to PNS Shamsheer and its crew Capt. Khalid said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been enjoying deep rooted historic relations as both nations are bonded through cultural ties.

He said relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are time tested and based on mutual respect, support and cooperation. He saluted the resolve and commitment of the Sri Lankan Government, armed forces and people for elimination of the menace of terrorism from Sri Lankan soil. He said strategic location as well as the economic health of the country is indicative of Sri Lanka’s potential to become hub of global maritime trade. 

After welcome address the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain, jointly cut Pakistan Sri Lanka Friendship cake along with Commander Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, Mission Commander Commodore Bilal Abdul Nasir, Captain Rizwan Khalid and Defense Advisor Col Rajil Irshad Khan. Delicious Pakistani cuisine cooked on board by well-trained Pakistan Navy Chefs was served in an impressive style to the guest.