RIYADH, 5 February 2004 — Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are identifying new areas of cooperation, said Sri Lankan Ambassador Ibrahim Sahib Ansar. He was speaking to an audience of Sri Lankans at the 56th Independence Day celebrations at the embassy yesterday.
“The two countries will forge ahead in new areas to mutual benefits,” ambassador noted. “Due to its open market policy, Sri Lanka can offer attractive incentives to investors from the Kingdom.”
He said that the new accord safeguards the interests of investors in both countries and makes joint ventures more viable in every way.
The ambassador said that Sri Lankans had earned a good name in the Kingdom for their hard work, efficiency and trustworthiness.
“The largest concentration of Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East is found in the Kingdom,” he said.
Not only have the workers contributed to the Kingdom’s development but they have also done their own country a great service by remitting some $250 million annually. In recognition of their services, he said that the government had embarked on several welfare measures to benefit expatriate workers and their families.
In Jeddah, Sri Lankans marked the day, hoping for peace to continue in their island after a two-year cease-fire.
Consul General A.C.M. Ibrahim read messages of President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe after raising the Sri Lankan flag.
Among those present were A.H.M. Fowzie, member of Parliament, L.L.M Farook, chairman of the Sri Lankan Central Transport Board, senior officials representing Muslim religious and cultural affairs, Sri Lankan Expatriates Society President Rohan Burah and a large number of community members.
The meeting also expressed sympathy to the families of the four Sri Lankans killed in the Mina stampede.
