June 21, Colombo: On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan Major General (R) Muhammad Saad Khattak handed over two checks amounting to LKR 66 million & LKR 8.027 million to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, at a ceremony held at Gangaramaya Temple, the High Commission said in a statement today.

The donation of LKR 66 million was announced by the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Sri Lanka in February this year for promotion of sports through training and equipment. The amount of LKR 8.027 million is being donated to the State Pharmaceutical Corporation of Sri Lanka for relief assistance for Covid-19.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner emphasized on the importance of enhanced collaboration between the two brotherly countries for the uplift of the people. He also said that the Government and the peoples of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government and the brotherly people of Sri Lanka in their hour of need and will continue to provide all possible support to them.

The High Commissioner also briefed the President about 250 fully funded Allama Iqbal scholarships offered to the Sri Lankan students in all disciplines including 100 scholarships specifically allocated for MBBS students. The President was very thankful for the Government of Pakistan for offering these scholarships for the deserving Sri Lankan students.

The High Commissioner expressed his special gratitude to Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Chief Incumbent Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, who presided over the proceedings and was the Guest of Honor at the event.

Defense Secretary General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne and Dr. Asela Wickramasinghe were also present at the ceremony.