Saudi Arabia to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism
[March 16, 2005 - 11.00 GMT]

Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Abdulaziz Alsaud a member of Saudi Arabian Royal Family, who is also a leading businessman called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga today.

Prince Alwaleed conveyed the sympathies of the Saudi Royal family and the people of Saudi Arabia to the President on the recent natural disaster. The Prince said he was happy to be of assistance to Sri Lanka and that he is here to see for himself the extent of the disaster.

The Saudi Government has already donated US $ 300,000 which will be utilized to construct 1,000 new houses for the displaced, most of them in Kirinda in southern Sri Lanka. The Prince said the Saudi assistance could be utilized to provide new homes for the tsunami victims and that his Government was not particular about directing them to any one community.

The Saudi Prince said his Government wishes to provide further assistance, by way of new investments in the hospitality industry, which would afford employment opportunities to Sri Lankans and also attract more of the affluent tourists. In this regard he said he would be willing to invest to further upgrade the Colombo Hilton if invited by the Government. He said the strong social and economic ties between the two nations would improve with more trade links. The Prince said as many as 350,000 Sri Lankans work in Saudi Arabia.

President Kumaratunga thanked the visiting Prince for his concerns and requested him to convey Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the Saudi Royal Family and the people of Saudi Arabia for the assistance thus far and the pledges made for the future. The President thanked the Prince for his generous personal contribution and for undertaking to build a large number of houses for the victims. The President briefed him on the Government’s post tsunami rebuilding policies and plans.

Deputy Foreign Minister Professor Wiswa Warnapala, Saudi Ambassador in Sri Lanka Mohammed bin Mahmoud Al-Ali, the Secretary to the President W. J. S. Karunaratne and Foreign Ministry officials were present during the discussions at  President’s House.

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Last Updated Date: March 16, 2005 - 11.00 GMT