RIYADH, 18 August 2005 — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen on strengthening political and cultural relations with Sri Lanka.
Abdul Hameed Mohammed Azwer, former minister of parliamentary and Islamic religious affairs, who was recently in the Kingdom, said that Saudi Arabia was interested in having close ties with the island’s people and its government.
Quoting Dr. Saleh Al-Humeid of the Shoura Council, Azwer said the Kingdom wanted to deepen the understanding between the peoples of the two countries and also help the deserving Muslims in the island. “Saudi Arabia was the first Muslim country to help the tsunami victims of the island, irrespective of religion,” the former minister said.
The former minister also said that the Kingdom is currently building 1,000 houses for both Muslims and non-Muslims in tsunami-affected villages.
During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, Dr. Al-Humeid laid the foundation for a mosque in Kurugama, a village some 100 km from Colombo. Azwer extended an invitation to Dr. Al -Humeid to inaugurate the mosque which is now nearing completion.
During his visit to the Kingdom, Azwer had discussions with Dr. Saleh Al-Wohaibi, WAMY secretary-general. The Sri Lankan ambassador, A.M.J. Sadiq, hosted a dinner at his residence in honor of the visiting dignitary.
During his visit to the WAMY headquarters, Azwer said Dr. Wohaibi showed an interest in rehabilitation programs for the tsunami victims.
The island lost one percent of its Muslim population as a result of the tidal waves. The WAMY secretary general pledged his organization’s support to Muslims youths in Sri Lanka by offering them scholarships and conducting programs and seminars related to Islamic interests.
