Sri Lanka seeks Saudi investment in key development projects

Sri Lanka has called on Saudi Arabia to invest in the Dedicated Pharmaceutical Zone in Hambantota, IT Parks, the Fabric Park in Batticaloa, Colombo Port City, and Hambantota Port.

Speaking at the National Day celebrations of Saudi Arabia, in Colombo on Wednesday (25), Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

“Reflecting on the strong bilateral relations, he said I am pleased to note that the Government of Saudi Arabia has extended its support to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process. I would also like to express our gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s loan disbursements for projects funded by the Saudi Fund for Development since 1981. These include 13 projects in areas such as water, energy, health, roads, and education, all provided on concessionary terms. Projects like the Peradeniya-Badulla-Chenkaladi Road Development, the Wayamba University Township Development, the Epilepsy Hospital and Health Centres Project, and the Left Bank Development Project in Kalu Ganga have all made invaluable contributions to improving the lives of people of Sri Lanka,” he said.

Herath also highlighted the fact that there are approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. He noted that the two countries have recently signed an Agreement on Skill Verification, enabling skilled and semi-skilled workers from Sri Lanka to secure employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Minister also announced that Sri Lanka will offer visa-free access to citizens of 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia, from 1 October 2024.

“The visa-free facility will allow a six-month stay for tourism purposes. The Minister invited the Saudi Arabian friends to visit Sri Lanka and experience its ancient history, rich culture, and natural beauty.”