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..
A Thai woman walking topless in Arugam Bay town has been arrested by the Police.
The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries which allows for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal for Sri Lankans overseas to apply for their passports through an online system via the Lankan diplomatic missions.
Villagers in Nirmalapura, Daluwa, Norochcholai today staged a protest over an incident where a group of Navy officials and sailors had assaulted a resident in the area over night, Police said.
A passenger attempting to smuggle the largest quantity of gold of 35 kilo grams was arrested by the Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today, a senior official said.
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