New envoy pledges to strengthen Lanka - Saudi ties

The new Sri Lankan ambassador to the Kingdom, Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, has pledged to make his country's embassy a model mission for quality services and maintain the dignity of the island nation.

Krishnamoorthy told Arab News yesterday that the Kingdom is an important station for Sri Lanka by virtue of its excellent bilateral relations between the two countries. Saudi Ambassador in Colombo Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman Al-Jammaz, who was recalled for consultations following the execution of Rizana Nafeek in January, has also returned to his mission in Colombo.

Sri Lanka set up its embassy in Jeddah in 1983 with Dickman De Alwis as its first charge d'affaires. Subsequently in 1993, Saudi Arabia reciprocated with a mission in Colombo with Abdullah Al-Zahrani as its charge d'affaires. The Sri Lankan Embassy moved its location to the capital in 1985.

Krishnamoorthy was handpicked by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for this important region to strengthen relations between the Kingdom and Sri Lanka. The largest Sri Lankan work force of 550,000 out of its 1.5 million workers in the Middle East, is concentrated in the Kingdom.

The new ambassador will present his credentials at the Foreign Ministry here today.Krishnamoorthy said his top priority is to coordinate with Saudi officials in processing the deportation and transfer of sponsorship of its illegal workers under the Nitaqat program. "We will see that we meet the deadline set for amnesty with the cooperation of these workers," Krishnamoorthy said.

He said that he will try to build a spirit of cooperation and understanding between the people's of the two countries to enhance trade, explore new jobs for Sri Lankans, find investment opportunities and develop cultural cooperation.The Saudi Fund For Development has been providing funds from time to time for development projects such as construction of roads, bridges and hospital facilities in Sri Lanka, the envoy said.

Prior to his posting here, Krishnamoorthy, a senior career diplomat, was attached to External Affairs Ministry as its Director General for South-East Asia and SAARC.

His last overseas posting was as Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai, India.

He had also served as High Commissioner at Dhaka.