A large gathering including Vice Chancellor University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Sampath Amaratunga, Vice Chancellor University of Moratuwa, Prof. K.K.C.A. Perera, Ven. Bhante Olande Ananda, Rev. Fr. Quintus Fernando and parents of the successful students participated in the occasion.Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner of Pakistan Dr. Shahid Ahmad Hashmat, said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka share an important and growing relationship, which is built on strong people-to-people links.He congratulated the awardees for their achievements and expressed the hope that they would continue to excel in their academic pursuits. He reiterated Pakistan's continued support to Sri Lanka in enhancing the younger generation's nation building capacities with better educational opportunities.The High Commissioner further highlighted that in addition to Jinnah Scholarships, the Government of Pakistan offers scholarships in Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy and Dentistry etc. to Sri Lankan students to pursue higher professional education in Pakistan, every year.

Chairman UGC, Prof. Mohan De Silva, in his speech, paid a rich tribute to the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah for his efforts in creation of Pakistan. He recalled the robust Pak-Lanka relations and appreciated the Jinnah Scholarship scheme which has benefitted numerous Sri Lankan students since its inception.

The Government of Pakistan has been awarding the Jinnah Scholarships since 2006. During the past 13 years approximately 1500 scholarships have been awarded.