Pakistan High Commission donates cricket equipment

Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General Umar Farooq Burki

Sports Minister Namal Rajapakse

Pakistan High Commission, Colombo last week donated cricket equipment to five schools in Beruwela.

Youth Affairs and Sports Development Coordination and Monitoring Minister and State Minister of Digital Technology and Enterprise Namal Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The chief guest in his speech said that World Youth Forum is to be held in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the Sri Lanka youth, which is going to be an ideal platform for the youth to exchange their views and experience from all kinds of cultural background. He cordially invited the youth from Pakistan to the proposed event. He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan High Commission in materializing this event. Minister Rajapaksa also recalled with gratitude the donation of Rs. 50 million made by Pakistan Premier Imran Khan, during his last visit to Sri Lanka to develop sports.

Pakistan High Commissioner Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) said in his note of thanks to the Chief Guest, the members of Sri Lankan Youth Parliament and rest of the audience that “Sri Lanka and Pakistan maintain excellent relations and we hope to further strengthen them in the coming years.” He added that Pakistan has a large heart to help Sri Lanka in every possible manner. He pointed out that youth is the backbone of any country. He further underscored that Pakistan is among the top exporters of best sports equipment including the FIFA football and willow cricket bats among so many other things. He added that we will deepen the sports diplomacy between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the lines initiated by the Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan. Pakistan High Commissioner Major General (R) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) and the Chief Guest jointly presented the cricket kits to the respective schools. Pakistan Honorary Consul Afzal Marikar was also present at the ceremony.

Youth Parliament Deputy Minister M.S. Ahmath thanked the high commission for the generous donation to develop cricket in Beruwela.