The Saudi-Sri Lanka Friendship Society was inaugurated on the 10th of May at a gala ceremony held at the fashionable Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. The Sri Lankan Ambassador, who was instrumental in the formation this society recalled in his speech how he helped form such a society back home even before a Saudi ambassador was posted to Sri Lanka. The inauguration ceremony was attended by many Saudi and Sri Lankan businessmen.

We commend Abdul Cader Mashoor Moulana for his efforts in helping to bring in a large number of businesspeople. A top Saudi executive from SAGIA, an investment organization, was elected president of the society who said in his acceptance speech that he will work hard to further strengthen the existing excellent relations between the two countries. Fazli Sameer was elected as the secretary of the society. Speakers traced the long standing trade relation which existed between the two friendly countries from the time of Ibn Batuta.

While the guests were enjoying the dinner arranged by the able Mohamed Fazal, participants were shown a documentary on Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty which impressed many Saudis who were present. Some of them were so taken up by our country that they made an instant decision to make it their destination for their next holiday, with their families. I was so pleased to note that the society has already started to bear fruit. In the meantime, I would suggest that our airlines and the hotels in Sri Lanka should offer very special rates for Saudi office bearers and members of the Saudi-Sri Lanka Friendship Society. While congratulating H.E the ambassador for this successful venture, we wish the society all the best.