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Imran Khan: A successful cricketer-turned politician, statesman

Published

5 years ago

2021/02/22

Imran Khan had an illustrious career in international cricket spanning two decades from the 1970s. He developed a good reputation all over the world through his charismatic personality and charitable work. The charismatic captain led Pakistan to its World Cup victory in 1992. Mr Khan, struggled for years to turn popular support into electoral gains. He launched his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in 1996. His party won the General Election 2018 and he became Prime Minister of Pakistan after a political struggle of 22 years.

Imran Khan’s economic vision for Pakistan is alluring. Khan is working hard to improve the lives of the poor. He promised a “new Pakistan” in the 2018 General Election. Imran made pledges with the nation for a uniform education system, launching of a health card scheme, elimination of corruption, improving the tax culture, self-sustainability of Pakistan, generating employment opportunities, strengthening of the federation, bringing reforms in police, boosting investment and tourism, strengthening agriculture sector by imposing an agriculture emergency, and protecting women population. He is on right track to fulfill his promises with the nation.

The Government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has handled the economic impact of pandemic with effective strategies and emerged successful during tough times. Year 2020 has known to be a tale of challenges globally, but for Pakistan, under the leadership of PM Imran Khan, it has proved as a “story of success and development” even during the coronavirus pandemic.

Year 2020 narrates a journey of stable economy, numerous development and welfare projects, and remarkable achievements at foreign policy front. Khan’s government has significant achieved major milestones during 2020 along with a set of the Prime Minister’s New Year resolutions for year 2021.

Khan is not only achieving at domestic front but also fighting for the betterment of globe. Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 75th session, highlighted global issues including climate change, money laundering, pandemic, Islamophobia and human rights violations. He called upon the UN to play its role to combat racism and ensure implementation of its own resolution for global peace and stability.

Imran khan is a philanthropist. He is gifted with natural leadership and the capacity to accumulate great wealth. He has great talent for management in all walks of life, especially in business and financial matters, where he contributes the greater vision, purpose, and long-range goals. He understands the material world, and intuitively knows what makes virtually any enterprise work. Business, finance, real estate, law, science, publishing, and the management of large institutions are among the vocational fields that suit Imran best. He is naturally attracted to positions of influence and leadership, politics, social work, and teaching are among the many other areas where his abilities are shining.

PM Imran Khan’s political struggle of twenty two years can be compared with a thrilling test cricket match, full of twists and turns. After a long struggle, he succeeded in the 2018 General Election. PM Imran Khan’s Government has managed to perform well in the foreign affairs arena as well. Critical in this regard has been Khan’s personal charisma on the international stage and close coordination with the country’s all institutions.

During the 1990s, Khan also served as UNICEF’s Special Representative for Sports and promoted health and immunization programmes in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. While in London, he also works with the Lord’s Taverners, a cricket charity. After retirement from cricket and before joining politics Khan focused his efforts solely on social work. By early nineties, he had founded the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust, a charity organisation bearing the name of his mother, Mrs. Shaukat Khanum. As the Trust’s maiden endeavour, Khan established Pakistan’s first and only cancer hospital, constructed using donations and funds exceeding $25 million, raised by Khan from all over the world.

Khan also established a technical college in the Mianwali District during April 2018 called Namal College. It was built by the Mianwali Development Trust (MDT), and is an associate college of the University of Bradford. Imran Khan Foundation is another welfare work, which aims to assist needy people all over Pakistan. It has provided help to flood victims in Pakistan.

President Rajapaksa is familiar with Pakistan where he attended number of military courses in Pakistan military training institutions. While Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has also deep association with Pakistan. Imran khan has visited Sri Lanka on number of occasions and has a great fan following in the Island Country. The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Khan will be a great opportunity for leaders of both countries to make bilateral relations meaningful and beneficial for people of Sri Lanka and Pakistan which would further strengthen the relations between the two friendly nations.

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Experts: NPP education reforms unsuitable for SL

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Proposed education reforms have drawn sharp criticism from education professionals, teacher unions and student organisations, who warned on Thursday that the changes risk undermining child safety, widening inequality and imposing unaffordable costs on parents.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Dr Ayomi Irugalbandara of the Faculty of Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka said the proposed reforms appeared to be largely modelled on foreign education systems without adequate consideration of local realities.

She took particular issue with proposals to integrate social media use into the school curriculum, noting that several developed countries have moved in the opposite direction by preventing children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms.

“Most of these modules are not appropriate for this country,” Dr Irugalbandara said. “We warn parents that these reforms place children at risk.”

Concerns were also raised over digital content linked to the revised curriculum. Inter-University Students’ Federation Convener Madushan Chandrajith said the Grade Six Information and Communication Technology (ICT) module included QR codes that directed students to a controversial YouTube channel.

“Who will take responsibility for children accessing such content?” he asked, calling for clear accountability mechanisms for material linked through digital platforms used in schools.

Secretary of the Workers’ Struggle Centre, Duminda Nagamuwa, criticised the government’s approach to the reform process, comparing it to the fertiliser policy introduced under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He alleged that the authorities were pushing ahead with education reforms despite opposition from academics, teachers and other stakeholders.

Nagamuwa also highlighted the economic burden on families, noting that Sri Lanka’s poverty rate had increased from 12.5 percent to 25 percent. He questioned how parents were expected to afford smartphones or tablet computers required for students to access QR code-linked educational content.

“The government is asking parents to bear costs they simply cannot afford,” he said.

Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin said schools had already begun collecting money from parents in anticipation of the reforms, including funds to purchase smart boards.

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Sajith: Ashoka Chakra replaces Dharmachakra in Buddhism textbook

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Premadasa speaking in parliament

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday told Parliament that the Buddhism textbook contained a “serious error,” citing the use of the Ashoka Chakra instead of the Dharmachakra.

He said the Dharmachakra depicted in the book differs from the one featured in the state symbol and called on the Education Minister to correct the mistake.

Responding, Education Minister and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Dharmachakra used in the textbook had been approved by the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs. She added that the advisory board on Buddhism had also endorsed it.

The Premier further noted that during her recent visit, Mahanayake Theras confirmed that the Dharmachakra in the textbook was the officially approved version.

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Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera dazzles crowds with tradition and splendour

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya lit up the streets once again, concluding on Saturday night after three days of colourful pageantry.

First held in 1927 thanks to the vision of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte, the Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most elaborate and grand low-country Buddhist pageants.

The Perahera commemorates the sacred visit of the Buddha to Kelaniya, the most revered temple in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. Celebrated annually during Duruthu Poya in January, the event showcases a fusion of historic, cultural, and religious traditions.

This year, under the guidance of Chief incumbent Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera and Dayaka Sabha President Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, the festivities began with the ceremonial handover of the Sacred Relic Casket by Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Agra Maha Panditha Ven. Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera, to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle.

The sacred relic procession was followed by three Devale Peraheras dedicated to God Vibishana, God Kataragama, and God Vishnu, captivating devotees and tourists alike with traditional drumming, vibrant costumes, and ceremonial elephants.

The Perahera festivities also featured Pahalamaluwe Perahera on 8th January, Sacred City Perahera on 9th January, and the Grand Duruthu Maha Perahera on 10th January, with all events commencing at 8:00 pm. Special enclosures were arranged to accommodate foreign tourists, providing an immersive view of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

As lanterns faded into the night sky and devotees paid homage, the Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera once again reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious calendar.