MANNAR: Major General (R) Umar Farooq Burki (HI) inaugurated 15 community wells in Mannar during his visit of Northern Province in Sri Lanka.
This drinking water project is first of its kind initiated by Pakistan High Commission, Sri Lanka on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.This project covers approximately 40 km area and is benefitting more than 200 villagers including one pre-school and one community mosque. These wells are the first of many more similar projects in different parts of the Sri Lankan Island specifically for areas where water table is very low and it is very difficult for the local community to get fresh water for drinking, irrigation and other routine matters.
Furthermore, he distributed desktop computers among four schools in Mannar. The school principals were extremely happy for this help as initially their students were not getting equal opportunities to study technology and related capabilities like the students in big city. He also distributed sewing machines among deserving women of the local community. The ladies were extremely happy as they were now able to help there families by staying within the four walls of their house, looking after their children as well as earning for themselves.
Meanwhile H.E Major General (R) Umar Farooq Burki (HI) M paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Jaffna and Imam of community mosque in Jaffna. Matters of mutual bilateral interest were discussed and H.E thanked them for their gracious hospitality.
He also paid courtesy call on Commander Kilinochichi and area Commander 54 Army Headquarter. The Sri Lankan Army Commanders along with their senior officers warmly welcomed he to their respected officers. Detailed discussions took place during the meetings encompassing arenas to strengthen defence and military-civil relations between the two countries.
The one-week long maiden tour of the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, to the Northern Province is being deemed very important because of its multi-faceted engagements and the response received from the local community, civil and military leadership of that region as well as by the Most Venerable Monks of Anuradhapura.
Pakistan High Commission, Sri Lanka on behalf of the Government of Pakistan will continue the goodwill activities which will benefit people of Sri Lanka regardless of gender, age or ethnicity.
