SL-Pak Trade and Investment Association condemns brutal murder of Priyantha

The Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Trade and Investment Association yesterday expressed its concerns and strongly condemned the brutal murder of Priyantha Kumara last Friday (December 3) in Sialkot, Pakistan.

“Nobody has a right to take away a fellow human being’s precious life in this brutal and undignified manner,” said the association in a statement to the media yesterday, asserting its membership “vehemently condemns the violent lynching and senseless murder” of Kumara who worked as a General Manager at a textile company located in the eastern city of Sialkot.

In an effort to push the authorities of Pakistan to explore all avenues to apprehend the culprits without any delay, and ensure justice is meted out in a speedy manner, a delegation led by Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Trade and Investment Association President Ifthikhar Aziz, together with All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) General Secretary As-Sheikh Arkam Nooramith visited the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo earlier this week.

In the meeting, the representatives were given assurance that “all steps” are being taken and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is personally leading the high profile probe.

Echoing the sentiments of Premier Khan, the high commission has said swift action and justice in an impartial and unbiased manner will be delivered. 

“We were reassured of Pakistan’s absolute commitment to preserving, protecting and further developing its greatly valued and treasured bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our two nations. 

The entire nation of Pakistan feel absolutely ashamed of what happened in Sialkot and express their regrets and sorrow,” said Aziz in the statement.

He shared that the association was also informed that all Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnicity, living in Pakistan would be given the necessary protection and job security.

Furthermore, the positive reaction of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, where confidence was expressed in the assurance given by the Pakistan PM Khan that justice will be served irrespective of the reasons for this dastardly, shameless act, was welcomed by the association.