Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Minister for Development, Coordination & Monitoring and State Minister for Digital Technology & Enterprise Honorable Namal Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, says a press release received here today from Colombo. The chief guest in his speech said that World Youth Forum is to be held in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the Sri Lanka Youth which is going to be an ideal platform for the youths to exchange their views and experience from all kinds of cultural background. He cordially invited youngsters from Pakistan to the proposed event. He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan High Commission in materializing this event. Namal Rajapaksa also recalled with gratitude of the donation of Rs 50 million made by Pakistan Premier Imran Khan during his last visit to Sri Lanka to develop sports. H.E. High Commissioner of Pakistan Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) said in his note of thanks to the Chief Guest, the members of Sri Lankan Youth Parliament and rest of the audience that “Sri Lanka and Pakistan maintain excellent relations and we hope to further strengthen them in the coming years.” He added that Pakistan has a large heart to help Sri Lanka in every possible manner. He pointed out that youth is the backbone of any country. He further underscored that Pakistan is among the top exporters of best sports equipment including the FIFA football and willow cricket bats among so many other things. He added that we will deepen the sports diplomacy between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the lines initiated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan. Pakistan High Commissioner Major General (R) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) and the Chief Guest jointly presented the cricket kits to the respective schools. Honorary Consul for Pakistan Afzal Marikar was also present at the ceremony. M.S. Ahmath, Deputy Minister of the Youth Parliament thanked the high commission for the generous donation to develop cricket in Beruwela.
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