ISLAMABAD: The government has sent a relief flight to Colombo containing 25 metric tonnes of rice, to help Sri Lanka mitigate the effects of a severe drought afflicting the country. The Pakistan High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Major General (retd) Syed Shakeel Hussain handed over the relief consignment to Sri Lankan authorities at Bandaranaike International Airport, a press release stated on Thursday. On the occasion, the high commissioner reiterated the resolve of the Pakistani people and government to stand by the people of Sri Lanka. He further stated that Pakistan would spare no efforts to carry out assistance and help of their Sri Lankan brethren. Both countries have always reciprocated in the same manner at the time of need since the inception of their diplomatic relations, he further added.