COLOMBO : “ On the significant occasion of the 62nd National Day and 32ndAnniversary of the Liberation of the State of Kuwait, I take this opportunity to extend my warm wishes to His Highness Sheikh SheikhNawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, The Amir of the State of Kuwait as well
It is also the sincere wish of the Government and People of Kuwait to extend our heartfelt wishes to all our friends in Sri Lanka who celebrated their 75thIndependence Day on the 4th of February 2023.
First of all I would like to mention the role of Kuwait as an Asian Country, one of the famous and well known capitols in the world especially in Asia. The State of Kuwait plays a great role in strengthening relationships with the countries in the Asian continent. In the field of political, there are always mutual visits in the all levels such as, consultations, exchanging the experiences during the official and nonofficial meetings both in the same countries or in international and regional conferences in order to cooperate all aspects to support the developments and standard with the friendly countries to solve issues on national, regional and international politics. The State of Kuwait stands together with all the countries in Asia individually or collectively to maintain the peace and security to eradicate terrorism , facing the challenges on climate change, natural disasters, human rights, investments, trade and the rights of individuals to live peacefully.
In the field of economics the State of Kuwait is assisting the Asian continent countries through several channels. The first channel is trade and investment representing the government sector as public authority for investment. This is the main sector of the State of Kuwait, as far as private sector it has large and multi millions projects in the Asian countries. The second channel is direct assistance of the State of Kuwait which occupies a prominent place in the international arena in giving assistance. It ranked first among the state in providing aid for the year 2015 according to the U.N. statics. Kuwait is always one of the countries committed to contribute to the support of various United Nations organs to support the programs and plans of development, social and humanitarian.
The third channel is the Kuwaiti Fund for Economic Development, which operates in more than 105 countries in the world since its establishment in 1950 and the share of Asian countries reported 202 projects at a cost 3 billion and 677 million US dollars and the share of the Republic of Sri lanka247 million US dollars more than 14 project since 1967 until 2016 in the agriculture transport, energy, industrial and social sectors.
The fourth channel is Kuwait Red Crescent Society and it is always ready to extend urgent and emergency assistance to some countries which are facing the natural disasters.
The fifth channel is the Kuwaiti people providing humanitarian assistance to their fellow beings regardless of color, gender or race. Kuwaitis extend their assistance through direct supervision or by charity organizations, through the supervision of the government the donations will reach proper places away from terrorism or extremists or stakeholders.Also it extends assistance to build schools, hospitals, orphanages, and mosquesand helps people by establishing technical collages in order to gain employment. In recognition of the State of Kuwait’s pioneering humanitarian assistance the United Nations has awarded the title “Commander of Humanitarian Work in 2014” to His Highness TheAmir of the State of Kuwait.
The relationship between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Sri Lanka started in 1971. The Embassy of Sri lanka opened in the State of Kuwait in 1981 as well as the Embassy of Kuwait opened in Sri Lanka in 1995. The two countries have maintained excellent political relations The Kuwait people never forget the Sri Lanka position against the Iraqi aggression against Kuwait in 1990.We will not forget that the former Mayor of Colombo Mr. Mohamed Muzammil first switched on the electricity in a foreign embassy in Kuwait in 1991 after the liberation of Kuwait. At that time the Kuwaiti people who were present in Kuwait, living in darkness, were waiting to see the electricity so they can feel that their country has been liberated from the invaders. We never forget the Sri Lankan people’s stance against Iraqi aggression.We will never forget the stance of Sri Lanka in favour of Palestine. Sri Lanka is one of the countries in assisting humanitarian assistance in the Asia continent countries. Sri Lankans like peace and cooperate in maintaining the peace with other countries.
As far as the economic field is concerned, the trade exchange between the two countries was 2 billion rupees. Sri Lanka exports to Kuwait approximately $ 14.181 million including tea, coconut, seeds , nuts fresh fruits and spices. Kuwait’s export to Sri Lanka $20 million.
As far as investment, it is limited but it will expect to increase in near future in the fields of energy, hotels, industrial infrastructure projects.
On the other hand there are 130,000 Sri Lankan are living in Kuwait. There are 80,000 domestic workers and 50,000 skilled workers like Engineers,Doctors Bankers and IT Sector.
Finally, I hope that our efforts will continue and that stronger relations between our two countries will be developed and I wish His Excellency Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka with good health, success and prosperity and sincerely hope that all Sri Lankans can now look forward to an era of peace and progress.
On behalf of the State of Kuwait, I wish Sri Lanka peace, stability and continued prosperity.”
