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| Sunday, 2 February 2003 |
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Lankan parliamentarians in S. Arabia The first Sri Lankan Parliamentarians' delegation visited Saudi Arabia recently at the invitation of Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Chairman of the Shura Council (Parliament). The 13-member delegation was led by Speaker Joseph Michael Perera and comprised Parliamentary Affairs Minister A. H.M. Azwer, Western Region Development Minister M. H. Mohamed, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse, Members of Parliament Joseph Pararajasingham, A. H. M. Fowzie, Cegu Isadean, Ravindra Randeniya, W. D. Ekanayake, Piyasoma Gamage and M. S. Thowfeek, Assistant General Secretary of Parliament Dhammika Disanayake and Sarath Radalage of Foreign Relations and Protocol office. They met King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz in Riyadh and were officially received by Governor of the East Muhammad Ibn Fahd. The Lankan parliamentarians had discussions with officials of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh and Jeddah. The Speaker explained the potential available in Sri Lanka for investment and tourism. He also briefed them on the prevailing peaceful environment after the present Government came in to power, the scenic beauty and the golden beaches and gems of the country. The Saudis showed interest in visiting Sri Lanka. According to the Saudi Chamber of Commerce Chairman, around 150,000 tourists visit Malaysia annually and if the Government would undertake an extensive promotion campaign, they will eagerly visit Sri Lanka too. The Saudis also expressed interest in investing in Sri Lanka for packaging and distributing tea in the region and also in visiting the island. Chairman of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council Sheikh Saleh Bin Abdullah Bin Humaid greeted them upon arrival at the Council Headquarters. The Shura Council is equipped with modern technologies and is regarded as the most academically qualified Cabinet in the whole world. The Saudi - Sri Lanka Friendship Association was also formed during this visit. The Lankan delegation also visited the Faisal Foundation in Riyadh and the ARAMCO Petroleum Headquarters in the East of the Kingdom. This area is the oil producing headquarters of the world, with large oil deposits. The Sri Lankan Ambassador in Saudi Arabia I. Ansar and Consul General in Jeddah A. C. M. Ibrahim accompanied the delegation. |
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