Pakistan HC hands over medical equipment to PM

Pakistan High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Major General (retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak, along with Deputy High Commissioner Tanvir Ahmad, called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, on Saturday at Temple Trees, to hand over lifesaving COVID-19 medical equipment from the Government of Pakistan.

In an expression of support to Sri Lanka in its fight against the pandemic, the donation included 75 ventilators and 150 C-PAP breathing aid machines, manufactured in Pakistan. The assistance of medical equipment is part of Pakistan’s SAARC COVID-19 emergency assistance to support regional efforts in the common fight against the pandemic.

Pakistan High Commission in a release said: This is a robust expression of solidarity and support to Sri Lankan sisters and brothers in their fight against COVID-19 from the people and Government of Pakistan.

The High Commissioner highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s vision of regional partnerships for peace and sustainable development while reiterating its strong commitment to address the impact of the pandemic jointly with the regional countries and particularly with a friendly country like Sri Lanka. It is also a testament to Pakistan’s strong commitment for promotion of regional cooperation under SAARC. This assistance of medical equipment is part of Pakistan’s SAARC COVID-19 Emergency assistance to support regional efforts in the common fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the High Commissioner also handed over a cheque for LKR 08 million to the State Pharmaceutical Corporation of Sri Lanka related to COVID-19 assistance, which was received by the President of Sri Lanka on 19 June 2021 at the well-known Gangaramaya Temple.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked the Government of Pakistan for this help, especially at a time when the 4th wave of COVID-19 is at its peak in the country.

Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thera and Dr. Asela Wickramasinghe, political activist were also present on the occasion.