78 Years of Independence: Sri Lanka seeks to deepen ties with Kuwait in trade, investment, employment
The Times Kuwait Report
Kuwait-Sri Lanka relations, built on a strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971, are set to expand into new areas of cooperation, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E Lakshitha Ratnayake, said during the celebration of Sri Lanka’s 78th Independence Day at the Regency Hotel.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Housing Affairs Abdul Latif Al-Mashari and a number of heads of diplomatic missions.
Ambassador Ratnayake described Minister Al-Mashari’s participation in the event as a reflection of the deep goodwill and friendship linking the two countries.
Highlighting areas of future collaboration, Ambassador Ratnayake noted that Sri Lanka is keen to enhance cooperation with Kuwait in employment, trade, investment, and cultural exchange, emphasizing that foreign employment relations between the two nations have witnessed significant growth.
He added that the Sri Lankan community in Kuwait is the fifth largest foreign community, further reinforcing strong people-to-people ties.
The ambassador also praised the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, noting that it has been supporting Sri Lanka for nearly 50 years by financing vital infrastructure, government facilities, academic institutions, and other strategic development projects.
Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s journey since independence, Ambassador Ratnayake said the nation has consistently promoted democracy, social harmony, and international cooperation, maintaining balanced relations with countries worldwide.
He emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic location along major global trade routes, which strengthens its role as a bridge for dialogue and international peace efforts.
Investment and Tourism Opportunities
Sri Lanka holds a key economic position in South Asia, with Colombo ranked among the world’s top 25 container ports, offering access to markets across South Asia, the Middle East, East Asia, and Western countries.
Ambassador Ratnayake highlighted investment opportunities in tourism, infrastructure, and real estate, noting that the island’s diverse natural beauty, Ceylon tea, gemstones, and cuisine attract millions of tourists annually.
The ambassador also mentioned that Sri Lanka was named “the most beautiful island in the world for 2025” by Big 7 Travel and features eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With regular direct flights now operating between Kuwait and Sri Lanka via three airlines, he expects a growth in Kuwaiti tourist visits in the coming years.
