The new Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohamed Hussein Mohamed urged his countrymen to be ambassadors of their country to promote friendship, good will and bilateral relations between the two countries.

The envoy was addressing his countrymen in the Western Province at a welcome reception held in his honor in Jeddah. Aisha Hussein, wife of the envoy was also present on the occasion.

“Lankan expatriates in the Kingdom can play a positive role in portraying the right image of their country,” the ambassador said, requesting every Sri Lankan in the Kingdom to contribute toward the development of both the host country and Sri Lanka.

He also announced that arrangements are being made to establish a Lankan community school in Dammam. “I hope to have a uniform constitution for all three schools so that they can function under a common charter,” he said.

Hussein Mohamed said that there are many areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries including tourism, agriculture and the film industry.

He urged his community members in Jeddah to stand united and forge unity. He also asked them to work hard, both for the development of Saudi Arabia and their country and abide by the local laws.

Hussein Mohamed, who is the former mayor of Colombo, succeeded Vadivel Krishnamoorthy, who took over duties as ambassador to the Lankan mission in Kenya on Tuesday.

Hussein Mohamed is the son of former Sri Lankan Speaker Haniffa Mohamed, a founding member of the Constituent Council of the Muslim World League in Makkah.

Zainab Rafeek also welcomed the guests and community members who attended the event. She made specific mention of Sri Lanka’s glorious past known as Serendib among the early Arab travelers.

Shahul Hameed Salih, founding chairman of the Sri Lankan School in Jeddah and former president of the Jeddah Sri Lankan Expatriate Society, spoke of the efforts put in by the community for the solidarity of the community members. He mentioned that Hussein Mohamed hailed from a very popular Muslim political family with established credentials.
(Arab News)