The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. \u00a0U.L. Mohammed Jauhar hosted a reception at the Radisson Blu Hotel on 6 February to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of his country\u2019s Independence. \u00a0Dr. Rana Al-Fares, Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Housing Affairs at Council of Ministers was the chief guest at the function, which saw attendance by members of the diplomatic corps, Kuwaiti officials, members of the Sri Lankan community, and media personnel.<\/p>\n
In his address to the gathering, Ambassador Jauhar praised Ali Suleiman Al-Saeed, Assistant Foreign Minister of Kuwait as a dear friend, who led a delegation to Sri Lanka in 2018, which helped to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between Kuwait and Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n
Noting that the newly elected President, His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapakse presided over his first National Day events in Colombo two days ago, he stated, \u201cDuring his address to the nation he stated, I quote \u201cI have the vision that I must serve as the leader of the country looking after all citizens rather than serve as a political leader concerned only about a particular community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSri Lanka is a country with an ancient history. It is a country that has been nurtured by the Buddhist philosophy, and a country that has been a haven for people of all ethnicities and religious beliefs. During my term of office, I will guarantee the freedom of all persons to follow the religion of their choice,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Pointing out that Kuwait is a second home for over 100,000 Sri Lankans who live and work peacefully, he emphasized, \u201cThey make a tremendous contribution to Sri Lanka\u2019s economic development in general and to their families\u2019 betterment in particular. We are pleased that they have also made a significant contribution towards the transformation of Kuwait.\u201d<\/p>\n
Highlighting the potential for the expansion of economic relations between Kuwait and Sri Lanka is very high, Ambassador Jauhar remarked, \u201cThe Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has been contributing immensely for the socio-economic development in Sri Lanka, by way of its funding assistance. So far it funded 14 projects from 1975 to the total value of KD 72,656 million (US$ 247,030 million) and another megaproject is in the pipeline.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Chamber of commerce of Sri Lanka signed an MOU with the view to further enhancing our bilateral trade,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Boasting that Sri Lanka has ranked among the best tourist destinations by the hospitality industry, he stated, \u201cIt is the preferred destination for many of friends from Kuwait and many high-level dignitaries. Kuwaiti Airways and the Sri Lankan Airlines operate 14 frequencies per week between Colombo and Kuwait. I wish to warmly welcome you all not only for this reception but also to visit Sri Lanka.\u201d Performers dressed in traditional costumes provided a glimpse of the cultural dances of the country.<\/p>\n\r\n