Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka launched by its Foreign Secretary
View(s):The Pakistan Alumni Society of Sri Lanka (PASS) was launched this week, at an impressive ceremony in Colombo, with the vision of “Re-Connecting the Alumni for Greater Collective Good”, and to connect universities of both countries under various scholarship programmes.
“Through PASS, the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, will be able to build networks and create professional opportunities that will contribute to advanced knowledge development of the two countries,” the Pakistan High Commission said in a press release.
PASS was launched by Pakistan Foreign Secretary Ms Tehmina Janjua as the Chief Guest on the occasion, in the presence of a large distinguished gathering.
Addressing the gathering, the Foreign Secretary underscored that Pakistan has excelled in many fields of higher education, particularly Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacology, Engineering, Management and Social Sciences, and provides a cost effective option for talented Sri Lankan students. “Over the last many decades, thousands of Sri Lankan students and professionals have benefited from Education and Training in Pakistan,” she added.
Ms. Tehmina Janjua referred to the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister to Sri Lanka in 2016, when Pakistan offered to develop a “Knowledge Corridor” for Sri Lankan students, and civil and military personnel, through scholarships and trainings in Pakistani universities and training institutions. “This initiative, termed as the Premier’s Pak-Lanka Knowledge Corridor, will open up immense opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals to study at Pakistani higher education institutions on scholarships and highly concessional terms,” she emphasized.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner-designate to Sri Lanka, Dr Shahid Ahmad Hashmat said PASS will engage members and provide them means to learn, integrate and share their experience and memories during their education and training, for the benefits of a larger community. He applauded the office bearers of the newly formed society and wished them all success in their endeavors to make it a great success and future oriented body.
Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Dr Sarfraz Sipra briefed the audience on the prospects, vision and mission statement of PASS. He also announced the interim Board which will operate until the first general meeting of PASS in 6 months. All Sri Lankans who received any professional qualification or, attended short or long term training programmes in Pakistan, are eligible to join PASS.