RIYADH: A Saudi-Sri Lanka Friendship Society (SSFS) was formed yesterday at the Faisaliah Hotel in the presence of a large group of prominent Saudis and Sri Lankan expatriates in the Kingdom.
“This is a society that would foster friendship and fellowship at people’s level between the two countries,” Sri Lankan Ambassador Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen said at the inauguration of the new body.
He added that such a relationship will pave the way for new areas of cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, tourism and culture. He said that a team of Saudi members from the society is set to visit the island shortly to meet the members of a similar body.
According to the SSFS constitution, the ambassador of Sri Lanka will be the patron and ex-officio member of the executive committee of the new society. The ambassador named a set of office-bearers to the society, which included Waleed Al-Yahya, chairman, RANA Investments and adviser to SAGIA governor, president, Priyan Attygalle, chief executive officer of American Express, vice president, Sabarullah Khan, head of chancery, vice president, Jamal Raibi, head of ANB Telemoney, Waseef Ahmed Al-Kadil, chairman of Olaya Polyclinic, vice president, and Fazli Sameer as secretary.
