The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka hosted a special reception on Friday (16) for Sri Lankan alumni who have recently returned from their studies in Pakistan. The event, held at the Pakistan High Commission, celebrated the academic achievements of the graduates and reinforced the deep-rooted educational ties between the two nations.

The Allama Iqbal Scholarship Programme, a flagship initiative launched in 2019, has become a vital pillar of bilateral cooperation. The High Commissioner highlighted that Pakistan offers 1,000 fully funded scholarships at graduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels, with over 500 Sri Lankan students currently pursuing their education in Pakistan’s premier universities.

“Sri Lanka and Pakistan share an enduring friendship rooted in a shared history of mutual respect and culture,” the High Commissioner remarked during the address. “Education is the key to unlocking the success of your brilliant futures and creating bonds that extend well beyond the classroom”.

Addressing the alumni as “custodians” of a noble cause, the High Commissioner urged the alumni to act as brand ambassadors by sharing their knowledge to guide deserving students toward academic opportunities in Pakistan.

He emphasised their responsibility to mentor young minds, ensuring no capable student misses the chance for a promising future. Furthermore, the alumni were encouraged to take an active role in organising frequent educational and cultural engagements to inspire and enlighten others while strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The High Commissioner emphasized that each graduate serves as a “bridge” between the two countries, playing a meaningful role in uplifting Sri Lanka while further strengthening Pakistan–Sri Lanka relations. The alumni were invited to remain closely connected with the High Commission to facilitate future initiatives that strengthen people-to-people ties.

The evening concluded with a traditional Pakistani dinner, where the alumni shared stories of their academic growth and cultural experiences in Pakistan in a spirit of friendship and togetherness.

Sri Lanka recorded 2.3 million tourist arrivals in 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of more than 15 percent, with India emerging as the country’s largest source market, according to figures released by the Tourism Authority.

Indian travellers accounted for 531,511 arrivals, more than double the number from the next highest source market. An official statement said this represented a year-on-year increase of over 114,000 visitors, underscoring India’s position as Sri Lanka’s undisputed leading market.

Indian arrivals averaged over 23 percent of monthly inflows, with December recording the highest number at 56,715 arrivals, while February saw the lowest, with about 35,000 visitors from India.

The United Kingdom ranked as the second-largest source market, with 21,277 arrivals, consolidating its position among Sri Lanka’s key tourism contributors.

Overall arrivals peaked in December, when 258,928 tourists visited the island—the highest monthly total for the year. The Tourism Authority said the figures reaffirm Sri Lanka’s strong appeal as a leisure destination.

Europe and the Asia-Pacific region together accounted for 92.7 percent of total arrivals in 2025, with Europe alone contributing 51.3 percent, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s status as a popular winter sun destination.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reported that 131,898 tourists visited the country during the first 15 days of 2026. The highest single-day inflow was recorded on January 15, when 10,483 tourists arrived.

During this period, India again topped the arrivals list with 23,786 visitors, followed by Russia (14,785), the United Kingdom (12,166) and Germany (9,260), indicating sustained momentum in the tourism sector at the start of the new year.

The government yesterday (19) sent the Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Education (NIE), Darshana Samaraweera, on compulsory leave over the inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module.

Sources said that two other officials of the NIE have been suspended in this regard. Earlier, the Director General of the National Institute of Education, Prof. Manjula Vithanapathirana, stepped down from her position following Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya’s request pending investigations.