Following the first export deal for its JF-17 multirole fighter to Myanmar, Pakistan is expected to be pushing hard for a follow-up agreement with Sri Lanka that would mark an important step in further extending its defence co-operation footprint in the Indian Ocean region.

Sharif's upcoming talks in Colombo follow a mid-November visit to Pakistan by Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) commander Air Marshal Gagan Bulathsinhala during which the JF-17 was showcased by the Pakistanis.

Immediately after the visit AM Bulathsinhala was invited to send an evaluation team of technicians and pilots to PAC's Kamra facilities near Islamabad, where the JF-17 is produced.

-  President Maithripala Sirisena in Pakistan

10 agreements

Meanwhile, foreign affairs deputy minister Harsha de Silva has said that during Sharif’s visit, the two countries would sign 10 MoUs in several fields including money laundering and against financing of terrorism, but he has not mentioned anything about an aircraft deal.

During his April 2015 visit to Pakistan, president Maithripala Sirisena has had discussions on defence matters.

Sharif has said the talks centred on defence cooperation, noting that Pakistani warships paid visits to Lankan ports and that Lanka had taken part in military exhibitions in his country.