Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has expressed his gratitude to the government of Kuwait for its assistance, including healthcare facilities, provided to Sri Lankans presently working in Kuwait.

The Speaker said this at the revival meeting of Sri Lanka – Kuwait Parliamentary Friendship Association held in Parliament. Khalaf Bu Dhhair, Ambassador of Kuwait to Sri Lanka and several Cabinet Ministers, State Ministers and Members of Parliament were present at the meeting.

“Bi-lateral relations between Kuwait and Sri Lanka dates back over five decades. Our two countries established formal diplomatic relations on 19 February 1971. This year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between two countries,” Abeywardena said.

The Speaker said he wished to extend gratitude to the Kuwaiti government for their cooperation to improve the welfare of the Sri Lankan housemaids through establishing the Dismal Police Detention Camps and assisting the process of expeditious repatriation.

The new office bearers for the 9th Parliament were elected at the meeting; accordingly, State Minister Kanaka Herath was appointed as the President of the Sri Lanka – Kuwait Parliamentary Friendship Association and Parliamentarians Faizal Cassim, and Aravindh Kumar and Selvam Adaikkalanathan were appointed as the Vice Presidents of the Association.

Meanwhile MPs Gayantha Karunathilake and Ishak Rahuman were appointed as the Secretary and the Treasurer of the association respectively.