RIYADH: Sri Lanka’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia Azmi Thassim plans to woo Saudi tourists to the island nation and boost economic relations with Saudi Arabia.

Thassim is set to arrive in Riyadh on Wednesday. He will succeed Mohamed Hussein Mohamed, who left the Kingdom in August following the completion of his tenure.

During a reception in Colombo, hosted by the All-Ceylon YMMA conference, Thassim said that he intends giving a new boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism in the Kingdom. “There has been a remarkable increase in Arab tourists, particularly from Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that the island could offer the perfect getaway to Saudi families, children and newly-married couples.

Seeking to bolster business ties with the Kingdom, he said, “There are several areas where Saudi businessmen could invest in viable sectors, which will be unfolded to them during my tenure.”

He pointed out that the Jeddah-based Gammon Group has expressed its willingness in Colombo to invest huge amounts to build a free zone in Polannaruwa.

Thassim was born in Hambantota in 1957. His father M R Thassim was a leading lawyer, chairman of Hambantota Urban Council and the first Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Azmi Thassim received his early education in Hambantota, Rahula Matara, St. Thomas’ Gurutalawa and Open University of Sri Lanka. His wife Sithi Dane Arfa retired last month as a high court judge. His son Mohammed Shameer and daughter Nitashi Abu Zaid are involved in businesses in Sri Lanka.

Together with a group of local businessmen, Thassim was instrumental in establishing the Chamber of Commerce in Hambantota, which was the first district level chamber in Sri Lanka. He was the founder president and is currently the president of the Past Presidents’ Consortium of the HDCC.