COLOMBO On the significant occasion of the 65th National Day and
35th Anniversary of the Liberation of the State of Kuwait, I take this
opportunity to extend my warm wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mishal
Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, The Amir of the State of Kuwait,
His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah,
The Crown Prince as well as His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah
Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and People of Kuwait who celebrate our
achievements as a stable, multicultural society.
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 78th Independence Day on the 4th of February 2025.
Firstly, I would like to mention the role of Kuwait as an Asian Country,
one of the famous capitals 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 at 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.
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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 multimillion 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 Arab Economic
Development, which operates in more than 105 countries in the world
since its establishment in 1961 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 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 colour, 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,
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orphanages, and mosques and helps people by establishing technical
collages in order to gain employment.
Following are the projects that the State of Kuwait has undertaken in
Sri Lanka since the beginning of diplomatic relations in 1971.
- Kalugagnga Irrigation Project (Southern)
- Building complex South Eastern University
- Construction of 55 bridges throughout the Island
- Oxygen Unit to Watupitiwela hospital
- Medical Faculty University of Moratuwa
- Rehabilitation of Tsunami Project (Housing Scheme and
Providing Boats) - Electricity Supply for rural areas
- Irrigation Projects throughout the island.
- Mahaweli Ganga Projects
- Building construction for Government Schools More than 35
schools - Construction of Kuwait Hospital in Puttalam
- Construction of Education Complex in Puttalam
- Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation treatment in Jaffna
14 Housing Scheme for refugees in Mannar
15 Eye camp project carried out throughout the island.
In recognition of the State of Kuwait’s pioneering humanitarian
assistance the United Nations awarded the title “Commander of
Humanitarian Work in 2014″.
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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 Kuwaiti people never forget the Sri Lanka position
against the invasion of 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
the 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.
In Kuwait, there are 160,000 Sri Lankans living in Kuwait and in the
year 2025, 75,280 individuals travelled to Kuwait for employment.
The National carrier, Kuwait Airways resumed direct flights in 2025.
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. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist
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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.
Sincerely,
Abdullah Ahmad Almuhana
Charge d’Affaires of the
Embassy of the State of Kuwait, Sri Lanka.
Thank you.
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