PHC in Sri Lanka held reception in connection with 78th National Day

ISLAMABAD, March 30 (APP):High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka organized a reception at a local hotel in connection with the celebrations of 78th National Day of Pakistan.
The chief guest of the ceremony Minister for Primary Industry, Daya Gamage said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations which are broad-based and multifaceted, according to a message received here.
He said the importance of collaboration between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has increased tremendously for promoting cultural, civilization and trade dialogue.
Daya Gamage thanked the government of Pakistan for its unwavering support to Sri Lanka during difficult times, especially in devastating floods and severe drought.
He also thanked the Pakistan government for provision of Urea to Sri Lanka despite heavy domestic demands.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Dr Shahid Ahmad Hashmat shed light on the historic Pakistan Resolution, passed on March 23, 1940 and eulogized the sacrifices and political struggle by the Muslims of Sub-Continent due to which Pakistan attained her independence on August 14, 1947.
He also elaborated various aspects and initiatives by the government of Pakistan for the socioeconomic uplift of the people and for strengthening the democratic institutions in the country.
Dr Hashmat said Pakistan and Sri Lanka are time-tested friends. The relations between the two countries are marked by mutual respect and commonality of views on major regional and global issues and close cooperation in the multilateral fora.
The recent visit of Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to attend Pakistan National Day celebrations, as the guest of honour, is a testimony of strong bonds of friendship and strategic cooperation between two countries, he added.
The Pakistan Women Cricket team was also present on the occasion. The team is currently in Sri Lanka to play qualifier round of ICC Women Championship and T20 series against Sri Lanka.
During the occasion, the high commissioner, on behalf of the President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain, presented Pakistan’s prestigious civil award “Sitara-i-Khidmat” to Dr AJA LakKumar Fernando for his meritorious services rendered to Pakistan in eradication of Dengue fever.
Dr Fernando is a renowned Sri Lankan Paediatrician and clinical head of the Centre for Clinical Management of Dengue and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (CCMDDHF), Negombo Sri Lanka.
At the end, a cake commemorating the Pakistan’s National Day was also cut by the chief guest Daya Gamage, Speaker Parliament Karu Jayasuriya and High Commissioner of Pakistan along with other ministers.