Lanka envoy unveils welfare plan for workers in Saudi

Sri Lankan Ambassador Azim Thassim told his countrymen in Saudi Arabia that his mission has chalked out a 20/20 plan to promote bilateral relations with the Saudi and to work for the welfare of the island’s 500,000 workers in Saudi Arabia.

 

The envoy was addressing the Sri Lankan community on the occasion of his country’s 68th anniversary of its Independence Day.

 

A large gathering of the Lankan community, including schoolchildren and Saudi businessmen, graced the colorful ceremony organized by the mission.

 

Around one-third of the Sri Lankan population of 1.5 million overseas workers are concentrated in Saudi.

 

Expatriates from all walks of life were present at the morning function to meet and greet one another on this auspicious occasion.

 

Thassim, who also re-launched the mission’s website with new features, said the website will give an insight into the activities of the mission. “It provides a portal to learn about the facilities and services rendered by the mission for the welfare of workers.”

 

The envoy called upon his community members to build up the various projects earmarked during the next five years.

 

“We need professional help in social, cultural, economic and educational fields from our countrymen in the Kingdom,” he said, stressing that the expatriate community can help the country as well as the host country in their march toward national development.

 

He also announced that in addition to the two community schools in Riyadh and Jeddah, the mission has received a license to operate another school in Dammam. “Arrangements are being made to open this school during the new academic year,” he added.

 

To begin the day’s event, the ambassador unfurled the national flag amidst the beat of drums (Magul bera). Then community members joined the choir of the Sri Lankan International School in Riyadh to sing the national anthem. It was followed by the recital of Jayamangala Gatha and observance of two-minutes silence in memory of fallen heroes. “This was done as a mark of respect to all those, who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the nation,” the envoy said.

 

Speaking further, the ambassador noted that the new government under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena, supported by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, is working hand-in-hand to create a new political culture, economic system and communal harmony in the country.

 

“Good governance (Yahapalanaya) is the motto of the present government. Following the end of the war, we had massive development drives and projects. Around half a decade later, now the country is led toward the marvelous goals of good governance and social justice where significant paradigm shifts in social, economic and political arenas are at their dawn,” he concluded.

 

In Jeddah, acting Consul General M.S.M. Ansar, hoisted the national flag at the consulate. More than 100 expatriates in the western province were present at the morning function to meet and greet fellow Sri Lankans.

 

Typical Sri Lankan dishes were served to guests at both the functions held in Riyadh and Jeddah. They included kiribath with katta sambol, kevum, dodal and kokis, Arab News reports.

 

-Agencies