๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ถ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ฎโ๐ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐น๐ผ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐
๐๐ณ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐น๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐, ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ข๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
Riyadh โ The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E Omer Lebbe Ameer Ajwad, has praised the depth and strength of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, describing them as long-standing, friendly, and firmly rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
In an interview with Okaz, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad emphasized that relations between the two countries have witnessed steady and continuous growth, underpinned by a strong commitment to expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors. He highlighted the positive and constructive nature of political engagement, marked by regular exchanges of visits and close coordination at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
The Ambassador noted that cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Kingdom spans labor and human resources, trade and investment, energy, tourism, and humanitarian assistance. He underscored Saudi Arabiaโs role as one of Sri Lankaโs key partners in employment, with Sri Lankan workers making a meaningful contribution to the Saudi economy. At the same time, bilateral tradeโparticularly in tea, food products, construction materials, and servicesโhas recorded notable growth.
He added that interest is steadily increasing in investment opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics, and tourism, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Sri Lankaโs national development priorities.
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad pointed out that the two countries recently marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a milestone that provided an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and outline a forward-looking roadmap for cooperation. He revealed that a coordination mechanism has been established between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, with its first meeting expected to take place soon. He also noted that the visit of Sri Lankaโs Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to the Kingdom in November 2025gave renewed momentum to bilateral relations.
โข Toward a Broader Economic Partnership
Looking ahead, the Ambassador said the shared vision is to elevate bilateral relations beyond their traditional framework toward a more diversified, investment-driven partnership based on mutual benefit. While trade and labor remain important pillars, he stressed that the next phase should focus on investment, technology transfer, and the creation of long-term value.
He identified renewable energyโparticularly solar and wind powerโas a key growth area for Saudi investors, alongside infrastructure development, including ports, logistics hubs, airports, and urban development projects. Tourism and hospitality also offer strong potential, especially amid rising demand for high-quality tourism experiences. Additional opportunities exist in agribusiness and food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, education, and value-added manufacturing.
In this context, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad welcomed the establishment of a Joint Business Council between the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describing it as a pivotal step in strengthening business-to-business engagement. He noted that 2025 witnessed growth in bilateral trade, increased participation of Sri Lankan companies in exhibitions held in the Kingdom, and a rise in Sri Lankan exports to the Saudi market.
โข Expanding Cooperation in the Energy Sector
On energy cooperation, the Ambassador described Saudi Arabia as a responsible global leader in the energy sector, citing its vital role in stabilizing global energy markets and enhancing supply security. He said Sri Lanka highly values the Kingdomโs energy transition and diversification efforts under Vision 2030.
He emphasized that significant opportunities exist for cooperation in both conventional and renewable energy, including oil supply, refining, and storage, as well as solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy efficiencyโthrough joint ventures, technology transfer, and long-term investment partnerships.
โข Developing the Sri Lankan Workforce
Addressing labor cooperation, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad affirmed that the Sri Lankan workforce remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations and receives special attention in terms of skills development. He explained that the Embassy, in coordination with Saudi authorities and Sri Lankan institutions, works to align training programs with Saudi labor market needs.
These efforts include pre-departure training in construction, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, and domestic services, as well as language training, cultural orientation, and awareness of workplace regulations and standards. The Embassy also supports dialogue on skills certification and recognition of qualifications, and promotes upskilling and reskilling initiatives within the Kingdom to enable Sri Lankan workers to move into higher-value and more specialized roles.
โข New Horizons for Cooperation under Vision 2030
The Ambassador noted that Saudi Vision 2030 has fundamentally reshaped the Kingdomโs economy by diversifying income sources, empowering the private sector, and opening new horizons for international partnerships. Sri Lanka, he said, views this transformation as a strategic opportunity to expand cooperation into dynamic sectors such as infrastructure, tourism, logistics, renewable energy, digital transformation, and human capital development.
โข Tourism: A Safe and Enriching Destination
On tourism, Ambassador Ameer Ajwad highlighted growing efforts to promote mutual tourism, supported by improved air connectivity and joint promotional initiatives. He said Sri Lanka offers a comprehensive tourism infrastructure that meets international standards, with a particular focus on family-friendly tourism.
He reaffirmed that Sri Lanka is a safe and welcoming destination, offering a rich and diverse experience that blends ancient heritage, UNESCO World Heritage sites, breathtaking natural landscapes, and renowned hospitality.
โข Saudi Arabiaโs Regional and Global Role
Commenting on the Kingdomโs political and diplomatic role, the Ambassador described Saudi Arabia as a key and influential actor on both regional and global stages. He praised the Kingdomโs balanced approach in promoting dialogue, reducing tensions, and supporting stability, noting that its role in stabilizing global energy markets has a positive impact on South Asia and supports sustainable development in the region.
โข Embassy Priorities and a Message to Investors
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad emphasized that economic diplomacy will be a central priority for the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh in the coming period, alongside consular services and political engagement. Embassy efforts will focus on promoting trade, investment, and tourism; supporting Sri Lankan exporters; attracting Saudi investment; strengthening labor diplomacy; enhancing cultural exchange; and serving the Sri Lankan community.
In concluding his interview with Okaz, the Ambassador delivered a clear message to Saudi investors and business leaders, affirming that Sri Lanka is open, ready, and well-positioned for long-term partnerships with the Kingdom. He noted that the current period presents an ideal opportunity amid Sri Lankaโs economic recovery and ongoing reforms.
He highlighted Sri Lankaโs strategic location in the Indian Ocean, its educated workforce, and its improving business environment, alongside broad investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, tourism, logistics, agriculture, and industry. He reaffirmed the Embassyโs full readiness to support Saudi investors at every stage of the investment process, ensuring successful, sustainable partnerships that serve the interests of both nations.
Interview by Abdulaziz Al-Shahri (Riyadh)
