Pakistani Men and Women Teams won Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Cricket Trophies

Saturday, 9 June 2012 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association, in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka organised the 2012 Sports Gala at Cooray Park, Colombo 6.

Colombo Mayor A.J.M Muzammil was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The High Commissioner of Pakistan Seema Ilahi Baloch as the Patron of the Association also graced the occasion. The event was also attended by a large number of prominent Sri Lankan and Pakistani personalities including a large section of media.

The Sports Gala featured number of activities including two friendly cricket matches for men and women teams representing a mix of Sri Lankans and Pakistani Community based in Sri Lanka on one side and the Pakistan High Commission Sri Lanka on the other side. This year years’ Cricket Cups were won by Pak High Commission’s Men and Women 11 teams in their respective categories.

The event also included various interesting activities like Tug of War (Males) (Females) (Children), Obstacle Race, Breaking the Pot etc. A number of trade stalls displaying Pakistani and Sri Lankan products were also set up on the sidelines of the event. This event was aimed to foster friendship and fellowship amongst the Sri Lankan and the Pakistani Community in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association is one of the oldest Friendship Association of Sri Lanka which was established 62 years back in 1950. The Association has been able to establish itself as a useful platform, dedicated to the promotion of bilateral relationship and friendship between the two brotherly countries of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. This relationship is not restricted to any one area or field, but it encompasses every aspect of bilateral cooperation i.e. people to people contacts, culture, education, health, etc.

General (Retd) C. S. Weerasooriya the former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka’s former High Commissioner to Pakistan is the current President of the Association and he has made invaluable contributions to make this organisation vibrant and dynamic.

The Association is endeavouring to promote cultures and traditions of both nations by supporting and encouraging cultural exchanges, celebrating events of national importance of both nations like national days, independence days, etc. The SLPAFA also promotes various social welfare and fund raising activities, student exchanges and encourages students to obtain admissions into the recognised learning institutions for higher studies in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoyed a deep bond of cordial friendship and understanding which is mirrored in various walks of life. The two Asian nations have a solid and unblemished history of standing together for each other in difficult times.

Apart from their deep mutual supportive relationship and sharing many common values the populations in both the countries are also locked in a deep rooted friendship which originates from the game of cricket. Both the nations firmly believes that the cricket is a not only a strong component which can be a harbinger for promoting peace and harmony in the region but also a great catalyst for bringing the people closer.