The 61st National Day of Sri Lanka is being celebrated back home and all over the world by Sri Lankan nationals today with immense sense of pride and happiness. On this glorious occasion let me extend my profound greetings to my fellow Sri Lankans, all our friends and to our well-wishers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This is the opportune moment to honor and appreciate the strong relationship between our two great nations — Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Being the members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), relationships of the two countries have been further strengthened ever since the diplomatic relations were established three decades ago. Important aspect of the relationship between two countries is the consistent policy of the Sri Lankan authorities toward the Arab cause. Every successive government in Sri Lanka has supported the Arab cause in various international forums.

Sri Lanka has maintained its economic growth at 6 percent in the year of 2008. As a step toward enhancing the economic and trade ties between the countries, the consulate sent a four-member high-level delegation from the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industries in April last year, which has boosted the bilateral trade.

The Ministry of Haj under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah hosted 5,300 Sri Lankan pilgrims last year. The arrangements were remarkably good and in order. All, including Muassasa — Establishment for South Asian Hajis and the relevant Mutawaffis — deserve our appreciation on behalf of the Sri Lankan minister in charge for Haj and the government of Sri Lanka for their dedicated services in making Sri Lankan Haj mission an unqualified success.

There are a number of Sri Lankan students studying in the prestigious universities of Ummul Qurah in Makkah and the Islamic University of Madinah. They are graduating in the faculties of Islamic studies and Arabic Language. Some others are pursuing postgraduate studies in those institutions.

Saudi scholars from various Saudi-based Islamic NGOs visit Sri Lanka, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan to train students in Islamic fields and to deliver religious sermons.

The role that is played by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in building the image of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom is really commendable. The contribution toward the noble cause of further enhancing the image of Sri Lanka in Saudi Arabia by rendering yeoman services by the Jeddah-based Sri Lankan Expatriate Association, Network of Sri Lankan Professionals Association and the Sri Lanka International School in Jeddah is highly commendable.

The Consulate General and its members are ever committed to offer our best services to the best of our ability.

Abdul Latiff Mohamed Lafeer

Consul General