COLOMBO: In order to promote and rehabilitate agrarian community of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, the Government of Pakistan through its High Commission in Sri Lanka handed over a made in Pakistan Tractor worth of US $ 10,010.00 to the Palayadivadai Farmers Association, Puttovil in an impressive ceremony held at the High Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka Z.A. Nazeer Ahamed was the chief guest on the occasion.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain handed over the keys of the Tractor to the Association members.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra, officers of the High Commission, President Sri Lanka-Pakistan Business Council Rohita Thilakaratne and members of Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association.
In his brief remarks, the High Commissioner said the Government Pakistan has sponsored many projects in health, education and livelihood sectors in Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s contribution to several projects in Sri Lanka reflects the desire of the people and government of Pakistan to assist the people at the grass root level in Sri Lanka.
While speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Eastern Province, Hon. Z.A. Nazeer Ahamed thanked the Government of Pakistan for assisting the Palayadivadai Farmers Association, Puttovil. He further said that this will help the poor farmers of the area to start work on paddy fields again. He also recalled the support and assistance of the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka in the time of need.
The President Palayadivadai Farmers Association, Mr. Ahmed Zainudeen also thanked the Government and the people of Pakistan for the generous assistance to the farmers association.
This project would add to the tally of various socioeconomic projects from the Government of Pakistan for their Sri Lankan brethren in health, education and livelihood sectors. These projects includes construction of the School in Salam Baikulam in Vavuniya Town of the Northern Province, District Hospital Akurana, construction of a 3 storied state of the art school in Gampaha, equipping science laboratories in schools, revival of handloom sector in Mirigama, Gampaha District to strengthening this cottage industry and providing self-employment, 35 computer centers and 6 stitching centers, provision of fully equipped IT Lab at the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, provision of clean drinking water in North and East, construction of 230 houses for IDPs, providing ambulances to hospitals, annual awards of Jinnah Scholarships as well as Higher Education scholarships for study of medicine, engineering, dentistry and pharmacy in Pakistan. NNI
