Pakistan High Commissioner undertakes first tour to Rajarata, Northern Province

Pakistan High Commissioner Major General (R) Umar Farooq Burki M. recently inaugurated 15 community water wells in Mannar during his visit to the Northern Province in Sri Lanka. 

He also toured the North Central Province. 

The drinking water well project in Mannar is the first of its kind initiated by the Pakistan High Commission, Sri Lanka on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. This project covers approximately 40 km area and is benefitting more than 200 villagers including one pre-school and one community mosque. These wells are the first of many more similar projects in different parts of the Sri Lankan island specifically for areas where the water table is very low and it is very difficult for the local community to get fresh water for drinking, irrigation and other routine matters.

Furthermore, the High Commissioner distributed desktop computers among four schools in Mannar. The school principals were extremely happy for this help as initially their students were not getting equal opportunities to study technology and related capabilities like the students in big cities. He also distributed sewing machines among deserving women of the local community. The ladies were extremely happy as they were now able to help their families by staying within the four walls of their house, looking after their children as well as earning for themselves.

The High Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Jaffna and Imam of the community mosque in Jaffna. Matters of mutual bilateral interest were discussed and he thanked them for their gracious hospitality.

He also paid a courtesy call on Commander Kilinochchi and area Commander 54 Army Headquarters. The Sri Lankan Army Commanders along with their senior officers warmly welcomed the Pakistan High Commissioner to their respected officers. Detailed discussions took place during the meetings encompassing arenas to strengthen defence and military-civil relations between the two countries.

The one-week-long maiden tour of the High Commissioner, to the Northern Province is being deemed very important because of its multi-faceted engagements and the response received from the local community, civil and military leadership of that region as well as by the Most Venerable Monks of Anuradhapura.

The Pakistan High Commission said on behalf of the Government of Pakistan it will continue the goodwill activities which will benefit people of Sri Lanka regardless of gender, age or ethnicity.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a long shared cultural diplomatic and defence history since their independence in 1947 and 1948 respectively. Through Gandhara civilisation reserves in Pakistan, this mutual relationship dates back to 3000 BC. 

This importance and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was explained by the High Commissioner during his courtesy calls on the Most Venerable Chief Incumbent Etalewatunawewe Gnathilake, Mirisavetiya Stupa, Atamasthanadhipathi Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, Sri Maha Bodhi and Most Venerable Chief Incumbent Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thero, Abhayagiriya Temple in Anuradhapura, the second place of visit in High Commissioner’s visit to the North Province. The Venerable Chief Monks of Anuradhapura and the Chief Incumbent Dr. Rev. W. Dhammarathana Thera, Rajamaha Viharaya Mihintel were more than happy to meet the High Commissioner and appreciated all the efforts of Government of Pakistan to help Sri Lanka always; from the times of trouble till the times of peace. 

Long discussions took place between the High Commissioner and the Venerable Chief Monks of Anuradhapura and Minhitale encompassing a wide range of topics of mutual bilateral interest focusing mainly on cooperation programs for the benefit of Sri Lankan youth and people through educational and cultural exchange.