Jinnah day celebrated in Colombo
COLOMBO, Dec 26 (APP): The Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship Association celebrated Jinnah Day marking the birth anniversary of founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The High Commissioner of Pakistan Bashir Wali Mohmand highlighted the freedom struggle under the leadership of Jinnah and specially mentioned a gift of precious stones sent by the people of Beruwala to Mr. Jinnah on his 70th birthday. The High Commissioner also touched upon Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations quoting from Mr. Jinnah's message of felicitation on the eve of independence of Sri Lanka.
The audience applauded announcement of 20 scholarships for the Sri Lankan students studying in local institutions and increase of seats of Sri Lankan students in Pakistani institutions under the Technical Assistance Programme. Bashir Wali Mohmand assured Pakistan's continued support to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and expressed Pakistan's abiding faith in its ability to pursue the peace process with honour and dignity. The High Commissioner also thanked the government and people of Sri Lanka for their generous and timely assistance to the people affected by earth quake in Pakistan.
The President of Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship Association, Dr. A.M. Haroon paid rich tributes to the founding father of Pakistan for leading the Muslims of sub-continent with a mission as well as vision. Faizer Mustapha, MP and former Minister also spoke on the occasion. He thanked the government of Pakistan for its support to the peace and security of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Army band, students Muslim Ladies College and Pakistani children presented Pakistani songs. A song based on Jinnah's motto of Unity, Discipline and Faith and a documentary showing today's Pakistan specially captured the attention of the audience. A number of prominent parliamentarians, businessmen, civil and defence forces officers and intellectuals attended the Jinnah Day celebration.
