New Saudi Ambassador aims to increase Lankan workforce

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The newly appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ambassadir Khalid bin Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani said that he aims to increase job opportunities in his country for skilled Sri Lankan workers.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena,  the Ambassador was urged to assist Sri Lanka’s efforts to face the economic and fuel crisis.

Moreover, Ambassador Alkahtani said within a short period of time, the number of Sri Lankan skilled and semi-skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia could be increased to 400,000 from the present 180,000. 

“I am fond of Sri Lanka and I will do my best to support your country,” he assured.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the newly introduced relaxed visa regulations and investment facilitation schemes of Board of Investment will help to attract more Saudi investors to Sri Lanka.

Moreover, the Prime Minister said that Saudi Arabia has the opportunities to invest in energy, fisheries and agricultural sectors, and thanked for the support and assistance provided to Sri Lanka under renewed assistance programmes of the Saudi Development Fund as well as to help early recovery from current economic problems.

The two dignitaries also discussed the plans for tourism promotion and recommencing of Saudi Airlines’ flights to Sri Lanka.