With the dawn of 2015, Sri Lanka ushered into a new leadership under the umbrella of President Maithripala Sirisena and now country is celebrating its 67th anniversary of its independence day a month later.
The island’s Ambassador Mohamed Hussein Mohammed, who was the former mayor of Colombo, hoped the new reign under President Sirisena will give a fresh impetus to the people and their government for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
The envoy said that he feels that he is blessed to serve his countrymen from this holy land, which not only serves the Muslims but also it provides a pleasant home to people of many faiths from several countries around the globe.
Hussein Mohammed was talking to Arab News on the eve of his country’s 67th anniversary of the independence day.
Spelling out the bilateral relations between the Sri Lanka and the Kingdom, the envoy said it is deeply rooted with a perpetual commitment to take the ties between the island and the Kingdom to greater heights .
“Ever since we established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom in July 1974, the two countries have been maintaining excellent relations in social, cultural, political and economic fields,” the diplomat said, adding that the relationship with Saudi Arabia is significant not only because it is home to nearly 550,000 Sri Lankans but also it is a holy land for the Muslims, who make up around seven percent of the country’s 24 million population.
A large number of Sri Lankan Muslims regularly come for the annual Haj and for Umrah throughout the year.
“We are ever thankful to the Saudi leadership for the special care given to the Muslims from all parts of the world including Sri Lanka,” he said.
“We sincerely trust and hope, with the new leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque King Salman and President Sirisena back home, the relations between the two countries could forge ahead,” the envoy noted.
Several government and non-governmental organizations in the Kingdom have been cooperating with their counterparts in Sri Lanka to develop various infrastructure and socio-economic projects in the island, he said, pointing out the contributions made by organizations such as the Islamic Development Bank,(IDB) Muslim World League, (MWL) World Assembly of Muslim Youth (Wamy), Saudi Fund For Development (SFD) and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has been instrumental in financing several projects in the island. It has helped the island to build a National Trauma Center and an Epilepsy Hospital in Colombo.
With SFD’s assistance, Sri Lanka built a bridge which links the Eastern town of Trincomalee with Kinniya, a Muslim village whose 100,000 population was facing a huge transport problem to cross the lagoon between the two points. Earlier, they were using ferry as their mode of transport to come to Trincomalee, the north-eastern capital of the island. The Trincomalee- Batticaloa highway was also widened with the same funds allocated under the agreement .
In the early 1980s, the Kingdom gave financial assistance to Sri Lanka for various projects.
In 1981, SR99.9 million in credit was extended by the Kingdom for the second stage of the water supply and sewage project and another SR48.1 million for the Mahaweli Ganga Development project system B. In 1984 the Kingdom provided SR85 million for the Mahaweli Ganga Development Project system B left bank.
The IDB has been giving scholarships for outstanding Sri Lankan students, who are selected for universities to follow courses in engineering, medicine and information technology.
Recently, it donated $200 million for an extension project to Zahira College Colombo.A polyclinic is to be set up in the heart of Colombo to help the less fortunates to get their medical treatment funded by IDB.
With 22 percent stake from the IDB, Amanah Bank,the first Islamic bank in the island, was set up two years ago.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in the Kingdom was established in Jeddah in late 1981, which was reciprocated by the Kingdom with a Saudi mission in Colombo 1994 with Ali Al-Zahrani as its charge d’ affaires. Subsequently, the Saudi mission was elevated to ambassadorial status with the appointment of Mohamed Mahmud Al-Ali as its first ambassador in 2001.
This year, he said Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia will sign an agreement on “domestic worker recruitment” to streamline the process of recruitment and to protect the rights of both the employer and the domestic workers.
It is designed to enhance cooperation on domestic worker recruitment in a manner that realizes the strategic interests of both countries. Recruitment will be done through mega recruiting companies in the Kingdom, he said.
“The signing of the General Agreement on Economic, Trade, Investment, Scientific, Technical, Cultural, Youth and Sports Cooperation between the two countries was a landmark event in the bilateral relations between the two countries,” the envoy said, adding that it paved the way for new areas of cooperation in various fields.
As a result, he said Saudi investors have begun to show more interests in the island since it safeguards the interests of investors from both countries.
Sri Lankan exports to the Kingdom are tea, garments, coir, fiber, fruits and vegetables, cut-flowers, leather goods and porcelain products.
The two countries also enjoy a contract to incorporate the rights and privileges of employees as well as the employers.
“It has cut down several labor problems and has increased the number of Sri Lankans coming into the Kingdom,” the ambassador said pointing out that it has also eliminated the corruption of the middlemen in the recruitment process.
To open new trading opportunities for businessmen in all parts of the globe, including Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka has also opened an online trading platform.
Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB) which is at the forefront of developing the island’s products and services has a website, srilankabusiness.com is the portal for leveraging the Internet for showcasing the country’s products and services in the world market. It has drawn up a five year plan from 2015 to 2020 to promote the country’s products in other parts of the world.
The Board of Investment (BOI) headquartered in Colombo offers a wide range of incentives for foreign investors.
He said plans are underway to set up the Saudi-Lanka joint Business Council which would open up new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
From the earliest times, the isle, dubbed as pearl of the Indian Ocean, has been a land of endless attractions for visitors from all parts of the world. UNESCO has designated five sites in Sri Lanka as World Heritage Sites.
“The tourists traffic from the Kingdom to Colombo has considerably increased and most of the Saudis are going either on business or leisure with their families.
“I am happy to note that the increased number of direct flights connecting Colombo and Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah is also promoting trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact. Last year, over 76,000 Saudis visited Sri Lanka. Since tourism is the primary area facilitating people to people contact, this Embassy has streamlined its procedure of issuing visas through the ETA system.
Two community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah cater to the educational needs of Sri Lankans staying in the Kingdom .
Describing his country as an ideal tourist destination for a family holiday, he pointed out that the Saudi tourists are heavy spenders and they look for South Asian destinations for their holidays.
“We have many attractions to offer for Saudi tourists and we are making every effort to attract tourists from this part of the world,” he added.
He said that Saudi families who had visited Sri Lanka had always opted to repeat the visit because of the island’s natural scenic beauty and unique hospitality of its people.
“Muslim visitors will feel home in the city of Colombo since they could see mosques in the vicinity of every shopping center,” he said. In fact, he added that women in Hijab is a common sight in the city. ” A good number of Saudis are currently visiting Sri Lanka for their leisure and honeymoon.”
The island has some 20,000 quality rooms and it is studded with quality hotels such as Cinnamon Group of hotels such as Cinnamon Grand, Lake, Bay and Red, Taj Exotica, Light House, and Heritance Hotels, Kingsbury and Galadari for the comfort of luxury tourists.
Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several Buddhist andHindu temples, and other ancient monuments that serve as attractions for travelers. Adam’s Peak, a mountain in the Central Province with the shape of a footprint on its peak, is considered sacred in a number of religions.
The eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka include the central highlands area comprising of the Hortons Plains National Park and Knuckles Conservation Forest, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the Dutch Fort in Galle, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the Temple of Tooth in Kandy, and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya.
Saudi-Lanka ties set to reach greater heights
Saudi-Lanka ties set to reach greater heights
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Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season
- Entry is free for all, visitors can book tickets through the webook platform
RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences.
Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.
Among the new experiences is “Croc Cave,” where guests can safely observe crocodiles from secure platforms. The “Bird Zone” features a range of exotic birds, allowing visitors to engage with them up close and even feed them. Another highlight is the “Kangaroo Yard,” where guests can interact with and take photos of the famous Australian animals.
A new bird show has also been introduced, where trained birds perform entertaining and skilful tricks and routines, delighting the audience. The zoo’s educational offerings have been enhanced with an interactive farm experience, allowing visitors to learn more about nature and animal life through hands-on activities.
Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. The venue also includes food stalls and mobile food trucks to cater to visitors throughout the day.
Located in Al-Malaz neighborhood, it is one of the key attractions of Riyadh Season.
Seung-Min shin, a frequent visitor at the zoo, told Arab News she had taken her son who was deeply interested in the animals’ various behaviors.
“The flying birds and the absence of cages for each animal — where we can go inside and touch them — that’s the beauty here,” she added.
Visitor Fatima Hashim, emphasized the educational value for young visitors on offer, saying: “Seeing animals in real life helps children learn about animals, their nature, habitats, and the different types of mammals and birds. The experience was wonderful … the staff at the zoo focused on teaching children how to feed the animals, helping them have the full experience.”
According to Riyadh Zoo’s website, several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section.
Riyadh Zoo’s layout includes zones designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with fewer stairs and more flat surfaces, allowing everyone to explore the park with ease and enjoy a complete experience.
Riyadh Zoo was originally established in 1957 as a private menagerie for King Saud and the Saudi royal family. It opened to the public in 1987.
How Saudi Arabia is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa
- Saudi ‘Empowering Africa’ initiative bridges energy inequality through leveraging the continent’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower
- The initiative aims to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth by reducing reliance on imported fuels and building local infrastructure
BAKU: As world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, discuss the responsibility of developed nations to finance climate action in vulnerable regions, South-South cooperation is emerging as a transformative force driving equitable energy transitions.
Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leader in this collaboration between countries in the Global South, leveraging its resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential and shape a more sustainable future.
In November last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed groundbreaking memorandums of understanding with five African nations — Ethiopia, Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
The agreements, finalized during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, aim to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables, representing a holistic approach to energy development.
“These partnerships symbolize more than economic exchanges; they represent our shared commitment to sustainable growth,” Prince Abdulaziz said at the event. “Africa’s energy potential is vast, and Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting its development for mutual prosperity.”
The five agreements align with Africa’s distinct energy opportunities. For instance, Ethiopia seeks to bolster its hydropower infrastructure, while Rwanda is focused on advancing innovation in oil demand management and integrating renewable energy.
These MoUs also emphasize Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting localized solutions in line with global climate goals.
To bridge the energy equity gap on the African continent, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy last year introduced the Empowering Africa initiative. The project leverages Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions.
This effort plays a key role in improving energy access in areas where electricity deficits hinder economic development and quality of life.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Africa has 10 TW of untapped solar energy and 350 GW of hydroelectric power.
• Continent posses more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a vital mineral for green technologies.
According to a 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 75 percent of the world’s population without access to electricity, making it the most energy-deficient continent.
The African Development Bank recently noted that Africa needs $130-170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, facing a financing shortfall of up to $108 billion.
Abid Malik, the geo head for Central Asia at the Saudi energy leader ACWA Power, said the projects associated with the Empowering Africa initiative “aren’t just about power” but also focus on “community upliftment and sustainable growth.”
On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Malik told Arab News: “By reducing dependency on imported fuels and creating local infrastructure, these efforts provide resilience against global energy volatility.”
African countries also have more than a fifth of the world’s reserves in minerals critical for the energy transition, according to the UN Trade and Development.
These minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, make the continent crucial to the global renewable energy supply chain. Such resources are foundational to technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
Despite this, much of Africa’s value-added manufacturing in green technology occurs elsewhere, and the continent captures less than half of its potential revenue from minerals.
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, has warned that critical minerals could create a “development trap” for resource-rich, vulnerable countries due to commodity dependence.
She stressed the urgent need for these nations, which rely on raw materials for most of their export revenue, to move up global value chains.
Saudi Arabia has therefore prioritized partnerships that tap into Africa’s rich mineral resources while fostering localized value creation.
“These collaborations are about ensuring Africa benefits from its own resources,” said Malik of ACWA Power. “The focus is not just on extraction but on building industries that create jobs, generate revenue, and drive technological innovation.”
One such cooperation with Chad aims to integrate solar technology into existing energy frameworks while developing mining infrastructure to support critical mineral extraction. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy that aligns African nations with the Paris Agreement while driving economic growth.
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Indeed, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change focuses on the development of carbon markets, which are carbon pricing mechanisms allowing governments as well as non-state actors to trade greenhouse gas emission credits.
Under this article, parties can voluntarily cooperate to meet emission reduction targets outlined in their nationally determined contributions. This allows a party to transfer carbon credits earned through emissions reductions to help others achieve their climate goals.
And as financing gaps remain a key challenge hampering progress in the Global South, Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to deploy innovative mechanisms, including voluntary carbon markets.
Riham El-Gizy, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Carbon Markets Company, stressed the significance of directing climate finance to Africa.
“Only 2 percent of global climate finance reaches the Global South. This needs to change,” El-Gizy told Arab News at COP29.
Although Africa accounts for nine of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, the continent receives a mere 3-4 percent of global climate finance, according to the African Development Bank.
To boost funding for local African communities, Saudi-backed initiatives, through voluntary carbon markets, are enabling the continent’s countries to monetize their carbon reduction efforts.
“By providing a platform for rural renewable energy projects, we’re creating a pipeline for funding that directly benefits local communities,” said El-Gizy.
This approach not only reduces emissions but also empowers rural areas with much-needed resources, bridging gaps in both finance and energy access.
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in South-South cooperation offers a roadmap for inclusive energy transitions. Its strategy, spanning renewable energy, critical minerals, and carbon markets, underscores the power of equitable partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.
As COP29 unfolds, the emphasis on South-South collaboration reaffirms that Africa’s potential as a renewable energy leader can only be realized through partnerships that prioritize shared growth.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in Africa showcase how collaboration can drive sustainable development, paving the way for a cleaner, more inclusive global energy future.
Saudi-French Ministerial Committee holds second meeting to discuss AlUla
- The meeting discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including archaeology, sports, arts, development, and construction
PARIS: The Saudi-French Ministerial Committee held its second meeting in Paris on Friday in the presence of Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the agreements signed between the two sides and its achievements thus far in transforming AlUla into a global tourist destination and cultural hub.
The meeting also discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas including archaeology, sports, arts, development, and construction.
The meeting was attended by the Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih; Saudi Ambassador to France Fahad Al-Ruwaili; and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla Abeer AlAkel.
Saudi aid agency expands orphan support in Jordan
- The program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief
AMMAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has distributed its latest round of monthly stipends to orphaned children from underprivileged Jordanian and Syrian refugee families across Jordan’s regions of Karak, Tafila, Maan and Aqaba.
Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, the Saudi aid agency provided year-long support covering basic living expenses, educational materials, Eid clothing and recreational activities. The program aims to eventually support 1,000 orphans across Jordan.
Beneficiaries are selected from both local Jordanian communities and Syrian refugee populations, ensuring aid reaches those most in need.
The program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian mission in the region through its relief arm, KSrelief.
40 scouts finish the Wood Badge advanced course
- The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips
RIYADH: Forty scouts from various sectors of the Saudi Arabian Boy Scout Association completed the Wood Badge advanced course, with an average of 27 hours of training in theoretical and practical aspects.
The course, organized by Masar Development Association in Al-Ahsa, included working on the role, responsibilities, duties and needs of the scout unit leader and methods and means for training boys, as well as leadership concepts, patterns and theories.
It also covered public relations, scouting and boys’ development, problem-solving methods, youth participation in decision-making, planning methods, tools and techniques, the concept, styles and theories of scouting, protection from harm, and resource development.
The course also included how to plan and execute outdoor trips, including methods for navigation, setting up tents, secret signs, codes, map drawing, estimations, outdoor cooking, organized hiking, and report writing.
