Pakistani envoy visits Central Province to bolster economic, cultural links
Saturday, 27 July 2013 00:00
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Pakistan High Commissioner Maj. Gen. Qasim Qureshi visited the Central Province of Sri Lanka recently to explore opportunities to further develop economic, cultural and people-to-people links and to understand the ground situation in the Province.
During the visit, Qureshi met Governor of the Central Province Tikiri Kobbekanduwa and held discussions on bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Honorary Consul General of Pakistan in Kandy Afzal Marikar, also joined them in the meeting.
The High Commissioner also participated in a meeting with the officials of the District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kandy to review the prevailing business environment and to explore ways to further strengthen trade and business links. Qureshi appraised the Chamber about the upcoming Expo Pakistan 2013 in Karachi and urged them to send a strong business delegation from Kandy to participate in the exhibition.
Qureshi also visited Pakistan sponsored Jinnah Memorial hall in Kandy and Pakistan’s pavilion at the International Buddhist Museum Kandy.
On the second leg of his visit, the High Commissioner visited the Matale District on the invitation of Matale Mayor Mohamed Hilmy Careem. He held discussions with the Mayor in his office and witnessed a variety show organised by pre-school children in the Public Library. He also planted a tree in the Matale Public Park and visited the historic “Muslim reading room”. Proposals to upgrade the facility also came under discussion; with the High Commissioner proposing that this facility should be used to promote interfaith harmony. The High Commissioner also visited the Pakistan-sponsored Zia Hospital in Akurana where he was welcomed by the Provincial Health Minister and Council Member for Akurana. The High Commissioner was shown various parts of the hospital with various options for upgrading the facilities and infrastructure of the hospital that also came under discussion.
