Happy to have saved Lankan cricketers-Pakistani driver
Accepts ANCL invitation to visit Sri Lanka:
I am very happy to have been able to save the lives of Sri Lankan
cricketers, said Pakistani driver Meher Mohammad Khalil when Chairman,
Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd (ANCL) Bandula Padmakumara contacted
him over the telephone yesterday.
|
Minister Gamini Lokuge |
Meher Mohammad Khalil |
Leisha de Silva Chandrasena? |
Air Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody |
Last week, the ANCL sent an invitation to Mohammad Khalil through the
Pakistan High Commission in Colombo, to visit Sri Lanka for a week’s
fully paid holiday. “This is a token of our appreciation and gratitude
for your courageous action in saving the lives of our valued cricket
team when they came under terrorist attack,” the ANCL invitation said.
He expressed his willingness to visit Sri Lanka. He is 38 years old
and has worked in the Pakistan Cricket Board as a driver for 22 years.
He has four children, two sons, Jawad (10 years), Ussama (13 years)
and two daughters Shaviash (7 years) and Liapa (4 years).
Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge yesterday told the Daily News that he
will host a dinner to Meher Mohammad Khalil during his visit.
The Minister also pledged to present an award of US $ 5,000 to Khalil
as a token of appreciation for driving the Sri Lankan cricket team to
safety when they came under attack last Tuesday in Lahore.
National Telecom provider Sri Lanka Telecom and Sri Lankan Telecom
Mobitel have come forward to join hands with the Sports Ministry in
facilitating the visit, said Leisha de Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson of
Telecom and Mobitel Sri Lanka. She has also pledged to award US $ 5,000
to Khalil.
The National Pakistani daily Dawn last week carried the news of the
ANCL offer prominently.
The ANCL is also inundated with requests from companies to sponsor
events of the program connected with Khalil’s visit.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Ambassador Designate in Pakistan Air Marshal
Jayalath Weerakkody is facilitating the visit from Pakistan. |
