On this happy occasion of the 61st anniversary of the independence of Sri Lanka it is my privilege to extend to all my fellow citizens in the Kingdom my warmest felicitations. My best wishes are also conveyed to the government and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This year’s Independent Day celebration assumes greater significance than in the past as the peace that eluded our motherland for over a quarter century appears now to be within reach and there is every hope that durable peace will be established no sooner a political solution which is vigorously pursued by the government is achieved.
The diplomatic relations established between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have over the years grown from strength to strength and today we have reached a milestone in our bilateral relations.
As we begin the year 2009, it is appropriate to outline the enormous work carried out in the year ending 2008 to enhance the growing bilateral relations covering diverse areas like trade, commerce, tourism, investments, labor, education and technical assistance.
Action Plan for the year 2009: Following a meeting of the heads of Sri Lanka Missions in the Gulf Region with Rohitha Bogollagama, minister of foreign affairs of Sri Lanka, and other key officials from the Foreign Ministry in attendance an Action Plan for the year 2009 was agreed upon. This Mission intends to vigorously implement the Action Plan for this year. Trade promotion by organizing sample display of high quality Sri Lankan products for exports at the Information Center in the Embassy, Catalog Exhibition, visits by a Saudi Arabian trade delegation to Sri Lanka and by participating in major Saudi trade fairs will form a part of this plan.
The establishment of a Saudi/Sri Lanka Business Council for which approval has been sought from the relevant authorities in Riyadh is also in the pipeline. It is also proposed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL).
Investments in Sri Lanka will be promoted by targeting small groups of different industry segments and by introductory meetings with them. Identification of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for joint ventures by investment promotion seminars and visits by potential investors/collaborators will be organized. On tourist promotion, road shows, workshops for tour operators and travel agents, visit by Saudi journalists/travel writers to Sri Lanka and media publicity will be a part of the promotional program.
Labor: Around 500,000 Sri Lankans are now employed in various parts of the Kingdom, a majority of them (almost 400,000) are working as housemaids. This Mission has taken suitable measures at least to minimize if not to eliminate the hardships faced by the housemaids in regard to their working hours, payment of salaries, food, accommodation and repatriation upon completion of their period of contract. Presently these tasks are formidable.
Nevertheless, the Mission has not spared any pains to resolve the problems as far as possible. A computerization program to speed up the work in the Labor Division will be in place very soon for expeditious disposal of complaints.
A large number of Sri Lankans are holding highly skilled jobs. A considerable number of Sri Lankans are serving in the medical, accountancy, technical, banking, IT, engineering and hospitality centers. It is intended to increase employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in these areas. High-Profile Visits: It is intended to promote high-profile visits this year by Mahinda Rajapaksa, president of Sri Lanka, Bogollagama and by some key ministers to the Kingdom and to Sri Lanka by the visit of Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, governor of Riyadh, Prince Alwaleed Ibn Talal, chairman, Kingdom Holdings, and other dignitaries. Saudi-Sri Lanka Friendship Society: Very soon a Saudi/Sri Lanka Friendship Society will be inaugurated with the objective of promoting good will and friendship between the Saudis and Sri Lankans at the people’s level. A goodwill delegation will be sent to Sri Lanka after the formation of the society in order to promote better understanding between the people of the two countries. I have no doubt that the strong and binding links that have been established will be further strengthened by these visits.
In conclusion, I wish to express on behalf of the government of Sri Lanka and its people our deep appreciation for all the aid, assistance and cooperation extended to Sri Lanka by the Saudi government.
Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen
Ambassador
