Category: News
Ambassador Amza had a virtual meeting with the Minister of Education of KSA
Ambassador Amza had a virtual meeting with the Minister of Education of KSA H.E. Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al – Asheik on 26.01.2022. During the meeting, they discussed avenues for cooperation between two countries in the educational sector.
Sri Lankans living in KSA donate medical equipment
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh coordinated the shipment of medical equipment to Sri Lanka with the support of Sri Lankan Airlines on 20 January 2022.
These equipment are donations by the Sri Lankan community living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which was coordinated and facilitated by the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum in Riyadh on the request of the Embassy. The donation included nine units of Mini Oxygen Concentrators which were worth around 1.2 million Sri Lankan rupees.
The Embassy greatly appreciates the noble gesture of Sri Lankan community in KSA and the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum in Riyadh for the timely donation that would help to save precious lives in Sri Lanka during these difficult times.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
23.01.2022
Christmas Celebrations in Riyadh
The Sri Lankan Christian community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the assistance of the Embassy and the Sri Lanka Cultural Forum in Riyadh celebrated Christmas at a colourful ceremony on Friday, 10 December 2021, at the Mission premises. The festivities were participated by Sri Lankan Community based in Riyadh and Embassy officials. His Excellency P.M. Amza, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by Madam Saleema Amza graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The event was started by lighting of candles by the guests. In his remarks, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to KSA His Excellency P.M. Amza highlighted the importance of celebrating multi-religious events, which symbolizes Sri Lanka’s rich diversity and the religious harmony among the different communities of Sri Lankans living in Saudi Arabia. Mr. Nirone Dissanayake welcome the gathering and Mr. Michael De Silva delivered the vote of thanks. Mr. Augustine also delivered his remarks.
Mr. Chanaka Fernando delivered a Christmas Prayer, bestowing blessings upon the participants and all Sri Lankans for a happy Christmas and a prosperous year ahead. The Christmas ambience was generated by setting up Christmas decorations at the venue and gifts were distributed among children who participated in the event.
Christmas Carols and several dancing items were performed with mixed cultural participation by the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh and the guests were entertained with music and refreshments arranged by the Sri Lankan community.
The event concluded on a note of happiness and unity among all Sri Lankans living in Saudi Arabia looking forward to a Christmas and a New Year full of peace and happiness
Riyadh
Sri Lankan Envoy Presents Copies of Credentials
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency P.M. Amza presented the copy of his credentials to the Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs, Khalid bin Faisal Al Sihly on 02 November 2021 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of KSA.
H.E. Khalid bin Faisal Al Sihly while warmly welcoming and congratulating the Ambassador on his new appointment stated that Saudi Arabia hopes the relations between the two countries to prosper further during the tenure of Ambassador Amza.
In his response, Ambassador Amza expressed his gratitude to the Government of KSA for arrangements made to receive him and make him functional. He further stated that he would work towards enhancing the cooperation between the two countries in political and economic spheres. He also mentioned that his priority also would be for the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers living in the Kingdom.
Ambassador was accompanied by the Head of Chancery Dulmith Waruna.
Ambassador Amza Assumed duties at the Sri Lanka Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to KSA assumed duties at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh today the 31st October 2021 in a simple ceremony organized by the staff of the Mission.
On arrival at the Mission, the Ambassador-designate and spouse were received by the Head of Chancery Mr. Dulmith Waruna.
Following the National Anthem, the Ambassador-designate, spouse, and the officials of the Sri Lanka Mission lit the traditional oil lamp. Subsequently, the Ambassador assumed duties at his office.
Addressing the staff, Ambassador Amza set out his targets including promotion of tourism, trade, investment, and employment opportunities, in further strengthening relations between the two countries.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh conducts “Hello Again Sri Lanka”
On August 28, 2021, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry, and Sri Lankan Airlines Office in Saudi Arabia organized an awareness webinar for Saudi outbound tour operators in the Kingdom (KSA).
The webinar attracted around 90 tour companies and representatives who engage in the outbound tourism industry operating in several cities of KSA including Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah.
At his welcoming remarks of Mr. P.M. Amza, Additional Secretary (Economic Affairs) of the Foreign Ministry, briefed about the historical bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and KSA. “I would like you to choose your next destination Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is the place that gives everything you expect whether it’s nature, culture, or adventure whatever the way you wish to enjoy my country” Mr. Amza added.
On the keynote presentation, Ms. Madubhani Perera, Acting Managing Director of SLTPB, briefed on Sri Lanka Tourism Strategy/way forward and current health protocols to be followed by the visitors. She outlined the measures which are set in place as well as the future tourism promotional activities to enhance the tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka from KSA.
At his speech, Mr. Dushan Wickramasuriya, Director (Marketing) of SLTPB, briefed on the positive dynamics of the Saudi visitors who have placed Sri Lanka as their best tourist destination appraising the Sri Lankan hospitality, nature, culture, cuisine, and many more. He highlighted that the convenient air connectivity between Sri Lanka and KSA would also attract visitors from the Kingdom as they are eagerly looking forward to traveling after the Covid pandemic
Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga, Committee Member of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), Ms. Amal Goonatilleke, Chief Executive Officer of the Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Mr. Dinesh Pathirana, Member of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) briefed about the industry readiness on receiving guests from KSA with maximum safely adhering to all health guidelines and giving the best comfort for the visitors.
Representing the Saudi outbound tour operators, Mr. Hussam Hariri, Head of Holidays and MICE of Arjaa Travels and Tourism KSA, briefed on the air travel options for Saudi tourists to reach Sri Lanka, the target travelers from KSA, and visa facilities. Mr. Hariri also informed that they extend their support to facilitate Saudi nationals and other expatriates living in the Kingdom to visit Sri Lanka.
Mr. Dulmith Waruna, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy delivered the closing remarks and Mr. Sanjeewa Pattiwila, Minister (Commerce) moderated the event.
Riyadh