Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today urged the new Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to assist Sri Lanka’s efforts to face the economic and fuel crisis.
Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Nasser Aldasam Alkahtani, who present his credentials recently said his main task would be to increase job opportunities in his country for skilled Sri Lankan workers.
The Ambassador who called on the Prime Minister on Friday (Sept 16) said within a short period of time, the number of Sri Lankan skilled and semi-skilled workforce in Saudi Arabia could be increased to 400,000 from the present 180,000. “I am fond of Sri Lanka and I will do my best to support your country,” he assured.
The Prime Minister said the newly introduced relaxed visa regulations and investment facilitation schemes of Board of Investment will help to attract more Saudi investors to Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister said Saudi Arabia has the opportunities to invest in energy, fisheries and agricultural sectors. He thanked for the support and assistance provided to Sri Lanka under renewed assistance programmes of the Saudi Development Fund as well as to help early recovery from current economic problems.
They also discussed the plans for tourism promotion and recommencing of Saudi Airlines’ fights to Sri Lanka..
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the suspect in the rape of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura teaching hospital has been identified as an army deserter and he will be apprehended shortly.
Police have arrested the suspect connected to the sexual assault on a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital today morning in Galnewa.
The Dutch Public Prosecutor suspects two companies of paying bribes in the construction of hospitals in Sri Lanka, according to an investigation by FD, the Dutch financial newspaper.
The Minister of Power, Kumara Jayakody, stated that in the future, internationally funded projects, such as power projects, will only be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements and competitive procurement.
The Government today tabled in the House the Report of the Commission to Inquiry into the Establishment and Maintenance of Unlawful Places of Detention and Torture Chambers in the Batalanda Housing Scheme.
Israel, a major player in the global diamond and jewellery trade, has invited Sri Lankan gem and jewellery businessmen and designers to collaborate with Israeli diamond traders.
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