Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, O. L. Ameer Ajwad hosted a diplomatic reception in Riyadh to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence. Dr. Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudairy, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region was the chief guest at the ceremony.
The event which was held at the Cultural Palace of the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh on 8th February 2026, brought together over 300 distinguished guests including Deputy Minister of Protocol Affairs, Abdul Majid Al-Samari, Deputy Minister for International Affairs of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), Dr. Tariq Bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamad, senior Saudi Government officials, Ambassadors of different countries, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, professionals, academics, media personalities as well as representatives of Sri Lankan community in Saudi Arabia, to celebrate this Sri Lanka’s historic occasion.
Deputy Minister of Defense of Sri Lanka, Major General, Aruna Jayasekara who visited Saudi Arabia to attend the World Defense Show – 2026 in Riyadh, also graced the occasion as a special guest along with the members of Sri Lanka defense delegation.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad briefed on Sri Lanka’s journey since gaining independence in 1948, highlighting the country’s firm commitment to democratic values, multicultural harmony, and sustainable development, while fostering strong partnerships with friendly nations across the globe. He further underscored Sri Lanka’s ongoing transformative phase under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, emphasizing the Government’s national development policy strategy, which is anchored in strengthening democratic institutions, combating corruption, ensuring accountability in public administration, while advancing a foreign policy centred on economic diplomacy.
The Ambassador also highlighted Sri Lanka’s remarkable economic recovery following the unprecedented economic downturn in 2022, noting that the country recorded robust economic growth of 5.4 percent in 2025. He emphasized that prudent fiscal consolidation and disciplined monetary policy have restored macroeconomic stability and strengthened investor confidence.
The Ambassador further noted that Sri Lanka achieved significant economic milestones in 2025, including a record number of 2.3 million tourist arrivals, generating historic export revenues, and attracting substantial foreign investments. He invited Saudi investors to explore emerging investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly in special economic zones such as Colombo Port City as well as logistics, maritime services, renewable energy, the digital economy, and manufacturing, which closely align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its global investment expansion strategy.
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad highlighted that Sri Lanka–Saudi Arabia bilateral relations were further strengthened following the official visit of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, to the Kingdom last year. During the visit, the Minister held fruitful discussions with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, which opened a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries. Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Saudi Post issued a special commemorative postage stamp as a symbolic gesture celebrating the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
On the economic front, the Ambassador noted that the establishment of the first-ever Saudi Arabia–Sri Lanka Joint Business Council was a landmark achievement last year. He emphasized that the Council is expected to play a pivotal role in accelerating trade, investment, and business partnerships between the two countries. He further stated that private sector engagement between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia gained remarkable momentum in 2025, with more than 55 Sri Lankan companies from diverse sectors visiting the Kingdom to explore business opportunities. Reflecting this positive trend, bilateral trade expanded by 9 percent last year, while Sri Lankan exports to Saudi Arabia recorded a notable increase of 19%
During the event, a video presentation showcasing Sri Lanka’s tourism attractions was screened for the participants, followed by a cultural performance by Sri Lankan artists based in the Kingdom. The guests were also served Sri Lankan–flavoured cuisine, reflecting the country’s culinary heritage.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
11.02.2026
