Sri Lankan National Day marked with fervor in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 provides an opportunity for Sri Lanka to work collaboratively with the Kingdom in areas of trade, investment and economic development, said Azmi Thassim, Sri Lankan Ambassador, on Monday.
The envoy was speaking at his country’s National Day celebrations held at the Tuwaiq Palace in the presence of Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar, who was the chief guest.
Prince Faisal was welcomed in the traditional manner with the beating of the Magul Bera, (drums) followed by the singing of national anthems of the two countries.
Welcoming the chief guest, Ambassador Thassim said: “Our country has a rich and valuable history of 2,500 years, and during this period, our relationship with Saudi Arabia, which dates back to the seventh century, is a key feature we are extremely proud of.”
Sri Lanka, he said, has an abundance of natural resources, a variety of riches in terms of pristine beaches, rolling hills covered in tea and ancient archaeological sites.
“We are also known as the ‘Land of Smiles.’ Our people, who are from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, have a long tradition of welcoming people from other countries to our shores with warmth and smiling faces,” he explained.
He said: “All these elements have earned us a strong reputation of being a popular tourist destination. In 2016, nearly 40,000 tourists visited Sri Lanka from Saudi Arabia alone.”
The ambassador recalled that diplomatic relationship between the two countries began in the early 1970s — Sri Lanka’s Embassy in the Kingdom was set up 35 years ago.
Since then, he said, Sri Lanka continues to enjoy a cordial relationship with Saudi Arabia, and thousands of Sri Lankans have served in the Kingdom, while many have made it their home for many years.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the strongest international markets for our tea. Our embassy has embarked on a five-year strategic plan with the aim of enhancing and strengthening bilateral and economic relations with the Kingdom.”
Following years of conflict, he said, Sri Lanka is now enjoying a well-earned peace with all communities harmoniously living together.
“The current government is formed by the two main political parties coming together to build a prosperous future for our people. I would like to use this opportunity to invite the people of Saudi Arabia and all those of you who live in this Kingdom, to visit Sri Lanka and experience her hospitality ... and also explore the viable opportunities she offers for investment.”
The governor joined the ambassador to cut the cake to mark the day, followed by the release of a colorful magazine to celebrate the event.
Besides special messages from President Maithripala Sirisena, Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, the souvenir magazine carried articles detailing the salient features of the island, its products, tea, tourism, investment opportunities and its employment prospects.
Sri Lankan delicacies such as hoppers, egg hoppers, kotthu roti, kauwm, kokis and mungata kewum were served to the guests.