Sunday Times 2
Pakistan offers Jinnah Scholarships to Sri Lankan students
View(s):Pakistan through its High Commission in Sri Lanka has awarded scholarships to 170 bright Sri Lankan students under the prestigious Jinnah Scholarship programme worth SL Rs. 4.225 million.
The scholarships are named after Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
The award ceremony was held in Colombo. Buddhist & Pali University Vice Chancellor Ven. Prof. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera graced the event held in a Colombo hotel as chief guest.
National Integration and Reconciliation State Minister A.H.M. Fowzi and President Sri Lanka-Pakistan Friendship, Trade and Investment Association Ifthikhar Aziz took part as Guests of Honour. Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra, officials of the High Commission and several dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Acting High Commissioner Sarfraz Sipra congratulated the students for their academic achievements and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two brotherly countries for augmented development of human capital.
Ven Sumanasiri Thera said he was happy to note that these scholarships were awarded to Sri Lankan students without any discrimination on any grounds.
The Thero underscored that Jinnah Scholarship programme has become an important tool for promotion of religious, racial and interfaith harmony among the youth of Sri Lanka.
He thanked the Government of Pakistan for this continued endeavour towards encouraging the youth to raise their morale for higher achievements in their lives. Education is the only way to overcome sufferings, he stressed.
The Government of Pakistan has been awarding the Jinnah Scholarships since 2005. During the past 12 years approximately Rs. 50 Million worth of scholarships have been awarded.
Acting High Commissioner Sarfraz Sipra handing over scholarship documents to a student as Ven. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thera and Minister A.H.M Fowzie look on