KARACHI, Jan 7: The birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah was celebrated in Sri Lankan capital Colombo, said a message received here. It said the event was organised by the Pakistan High Commission in collaboration with Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship Association to mark ‘Jinnah Day’.

Sri Lankan Minister Rohita Bogollagama was the chief guest on this occasion. The high commissioner of Pakistan, Shehzad A. Chaudry, in his speech highlighted the freedom struggle under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam.

He said the Quaid-i-Azam's Pakistan was envisioned to be a modern, progressive and an inclusive state capable of merging all people's cultures, religions and ethnicities into one nation forging ahead and contributing to global peace and prosperity.

He also mentioned a gift of precious stones sent by the people of Beruwala to Quaid-i-Azam on his 70th birthday along with their best wishes for his struggle for Pakistan.

To fulfil the desire of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for closer ties with Sri Lanka, the Pakistan High Commission has launched Jinnah Scholarship for deserving students of O and A levels at the local institutions and enhanced the intake of Sri Lankan students wishing to pursue higher studies in Pakistan under Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme and on self financing basis.

Pakistan is seeking to significantly enhance economic and trade relations with Sri Lanka especially under Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and also working on cultural, tourism aspects to increase people-to-people contact.

Prominent scholar Dr M.A.M. Shukri shed light on the idea and spirit of Pakistan as conceived by Allama Iqbal and how it was actually realised by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Speaking on the occasion, the Sri Lankan minister thanked the Pakistan government for its support to peace and security in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Army Band, students of Muslim College and Pakistani children presented Pakistani songs.

A documentary on today’s Pakistan especially captured the attention of the audience. Governor Sri Lanka’s Southern Province Mowlana Alvi, Minister for Muslim Affairs Rauf Hakim and a number of prominent parliamentarians and other dignitaries attended the celebrations.—APP