ISLAMABAD, June 23 The Sri Lankan ambassador to Pakistan has termed his country's defeat in the World Twenty20 as a 'bearable pain' and a much needed break for the Pakistani nation.
Pakistan lifted the World Twenty20 trophy after defeating Sri Lanka at the Lord's cricket ground in England on Sunday.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Air Chief Vice Marshall (r) Jayalath Weerakkody told Dawn on Tuesday “Presently, Pakistan is suffering from every conceivable malaise from terrorism to economic melt down and we will definitely like to see Pakistan coming out of all these problems.”
The high commissioner pointed out that historically Pakistan has supported Sri Lankan cricket in difficult times and on the eve of 1996 World Cup people of Pakistan supported their team and they eventually won the Cup.
“The Pakistani nation was looking at this much needed break,” he said.
When asked to comment on the final of the World Twenty20, he said, “Pakistan have done well and we are very glad on their success,” adding, “Of course we are disappointed but we don't feel bad about it.”
Regarding the upcoming tour of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, he said, his country would provide foolproof security to the visiting team.
The newly crowned T20 champions will play three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 match during the Sri Lanka tour.
“We have been through a war for the last 30 years and know very well how to provide security.”
He added “A top military official is managing the security of the team.”
Meanwhile, the high commissioner said the Pakistan government had not provided any details regarding the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in March this year.
“We are waiting for the report and has asked the authorities concerned to give us the details, however, all we know till now is through the media,” Mr Weerakkody concluded.
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