‘Oman Sri Lankan enjoy cordial relationship’
Sri Lankans across the world are going to celebrate their 75th Independence Day on Saturday, February 4.
While extending greetings to the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Oman ahead of the celebration, H E A L Sabarullah Khan, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Oman, highlighted his country’s relationship with the sultanate.
Excerpts from his message are as follows:
Sri Lanka and Oman enjoy a cordial relationship at all levels, cemented by longstanding historical relations that paved the way for more formal diplomatic relations 42 years ago. I thank His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the government and the people of Oman for upholding our bilateral relations at high esteem. For a long time, many Sri Lankans have made the sultanate their home away from home, and even a few getting naturalised.
Sri Lanka and Oman can complement each other in several areas of cooperation. Both the nations being abundantly blessed by the Mother Nature, yet in contrasting ways, have much to explore such areas of cooperation in
which one could complement the other. My predecessor has rightly mentioned in his recent book on Sri Lanka-oman Relations that the current level of bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries does not reflect the true potential of the opportunities available in both the countries. Today, it is of paramount importance to explore such opportunities and augment the numbers in every sector.
Since my arrival in Oman midSeptember last year, I was lucky enough to present my credentials to His Majesty within just a month time so that I could be fully functional working towards the filling of gaps... Several bilateral Agreements and Mous in multiple areas of cooperation including in the fields of Tourism, Agriculture, Skill Development and Mutual Recognition of Qualifications, Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments, Financial Sector are under negotiation and finalisation.
The embassy facilitated a first ever visit of 17-member Omani business delegation to Sri Lanka from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in March last year. The purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities available in trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Oman and to establish business links between the private sectors of the two countries.
In January last year the delegation of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka undertook a visit to Oman and had several meetings with the Omani business fraternity. The delegation led by Hon. Bandula Gunawardhana, then Trade Minister of Sri Lanka visited Oman in March 2022.
Sri Lanka and Oman also took stern action against human traffickers who tend to abuse tourist visa for illegal practice of cheating innocents.
Last year had been rather challenging to Sri Lanka as political and socio-economic stabilities underwent unprecedented acid test. Although many countries worldwide were still recovering from the unpredicted economic shock caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, Sri Lanka was unfortunate to face multiple challenges. At this testing times, I humbly call upon all my fellow Sri Lankans to act responsibly and collectively work towards economic stability of our motherland.
This year being the 75th anniversary (of our Independence), the embassy in Muscat has planned a yearlong celebration, beginning in February and through to January 2024. The celebration commences with the Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the Embassy premises on February 4. It will be followed by ‘The 75th Independence Day Cricket Tournament’, which will take place on April 28 at the Amerat Cricket Grounds, in Muscat. Trade shows, food festival, tea promotion and cultural shows will be arranged in the coming months.