Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh facilitated a virtual meeting on 21st July 2025 between the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka and the Secretary General of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) to explore potential ways and means for cooperation and partnership in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development. Minister of Environment of Sri Lanka Dr. Dammika Patabendi, M.P., Deputy Minister of Environment of Sri Lanka Anton Jayakodi, M.P., Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka K.R. Uduwawala, Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad and Assistant Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ishara de Silva participated representing Sri Lanka side during the meeting. Secretary General of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Ibrahim Alturki and the Advisor to the organization Ahamed Saleh Hariri represented MGI.
While extending sincere appreciation for the participation of the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka at the invitation by the Chairman of MGI Ministerial Council and the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia Abdulrahman A. Alfadley, the Secretary General of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), Ibrahim Alturki outlined the vision of the MGI and extended invitation to Sri Lanka to join the organization with a view to contributing to the initiative, given Sri Lanka’s expertise and rich experience in the field. Advisor to the organization Ahamed Saleh Hariri made a detailed presentation on the Mission of this regional organization.
Speaking during the occasion Deputy Minister of Environment of Sri Lanka Anton Jayakodi thanked the MGI for the opportunity and expressed the country’s willingness to contribute to the initiative by sharing knowledge and experience in promoting climate action and environmental protection.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad highlighted Sri Lanka’s active contribution to the global multilateral climate initiatives and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s support to the regional MGI process for fostering environmental collaboration and advancing shared climate objectives. Ambassador also highlighted the proactive initiative spearheaded by Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh by launching a tree planting campaign in five public parks in Riyadh in collaboration with the Riyadh Municipality as well as in the National Park in Unaizah, in collaboration with the Governerate of Al Qassim province of the Kingdom to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This symbolic initiative by the Embassy was to align with the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) which targets planting ten billion trees across Saudi Arabia.
The Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) is a regional effort, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. It aims to address the unique climate challenges faced by the region, such as water scarcity, desertification, and extreme weather events. The initiative focuses on reducing emissions, afforestation, and protecting both land and sea resources.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
25.07.2025
