“”50 Years of Sri Lanka-Saudi Diplomatic Relations””
AshSheikh M.H.Shehuddeen Madani, BA
COLOMBO
;””February 22nd marks the anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Imam Muhammad bin Saud (Rahimahullah). This significant day honors the establishment of a noble state built upon justice and mercy, guided by the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah””
“”For over three centuries, Saudi Arabia has been a formidable presence on the world stage. The remarkable transformation of the nation into a leading force in various fields is credited to King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. Their visionary leadership has propelled Saudi Arabia toward unprecedented progress and innovation””
“”Al Hikma Institute acknowledges and appreciates the invaluable contributions of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid bin Hamud Al-Qahtani. Their dedication and service continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s global standing and foster strong bilateral relations””
February 22nd marks the anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Imam Muhammad bin Saud (RA). This day is recognized as a significant milestone in the history of a noble state that upholds justice and mercy, guided by the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. It is a day of great pride, symbolizing the happiness, dignity, and honor bestowed upon the people.
Imam Muhammad bin Saud (RA) began the establishment of Saudi Arabia in Wadi Hanifa, located in Diriyah. From there, he worked to stabilize the country’s economy and security. He successfully unified the various regions of the Najd province under one rule, fostering peace and cohesion. Additionally, he transformed Diriyah into a secure trading hub, enabling merchants from outside the region to conduct business without fear and ensuring a safe passage for pilgrims traveling for Hajj and Umrah.
Throughout his leadership, Imam Muhammad bin Saud (RA) accomplished numerous significant milestones in the founding of Saudi Arabia. He brought Diriyah under his authority and established peace and security in the region. His efforts extended beyond local stability, as he also strengthened the security of foreign territories. Through these achievements, he laid the foundation for a distinct political system, free from external influence. Furthermore, he initiated spiritual reforms that contributed to the nation’s moral and social development.
He also extended invitations to neighboring regions to join Saudi Arabia, striving to unify and strengthen the nation. Overcoming numerous challenges, he successfully stabilized the country’s economy and consolidated the provinces of Najd under a single administration. To protect Diriyah from external threats, he constructed a defensive wall around the region and established At-Tarafiyyah as his administrative headquarters. Through these efforts, Saudi Arabia emerged as a distinguished and unified kingdom.
While all Saudi rulers have been widely respected and admired for their leadership, Imam Muhammad bin Saud and King Abdul Aziz (RA) stand out for their pivotal roles in founding and shaping the great Islamic nation of Saudi Arabia.
This remarkable nation was built on a foundation of dedication and sacrifice. However, the transformation of Saudi Arabia into a global role model—leading the Muslim world, excelling in humanitarian efforts, spearheading Middle Eastern leadership, and competing with world powers in economic growth, defense advancements, innovation, and modern technology—can be attributed to the visionary leadership of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
Founded three centuries ago, Saudi Arabia has steadily advanced in all sectors and has emerged as one of the most developed countries in the world today.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia has made unparalleled strides in combating terrorism, a major global threat. The country is recognized for having successfully eradicated terrorism within its borders and for its commitment to supporting international efforts to eliminate terrorism wherever it exists.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia places great emphasis on combating corruption. Regardless of rank or status, including members of the royal family, anyone found guilty of corruption is held accountable and brought to justice. The country has consistently confiscated illicitly acquired wealth, amounting to millions of riyals, and redirected it to state resources, reinforcing transparency and economic stability.
As a result, Saudi Arabia has achieved significant economic success. Corruption often leads nations into severe financial crises and even economic bankruptcy. However, Saudi Arabia’s strict anti-corruption measures have played a crucial role in ensuring economic stability and continuous growth.
As a dominant political force in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia also plays a key role in global affairs. The country has made remarkable advancements across various fields, including technology and innovation, earning worldwide recognition. Despite facing numerous challenges, Saudi Arabia has consistently overcome obstacles and continues to progress on multiple fronts.
A major driving force behind this transformation is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. Groundbreaking projects such as Neom, The Line, Modern Diriyah, Qiddiya, Muqab, AlUla, King Salman Park, Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Riyadh Airport, and advancements in state-of-the-art weapons manufacturing have propelled Saudi Arabia to new heights. These initiatives have not only reshaped the nation but have also captivated global attention with their ambition and scale.
King Salman once stated, “My primary goal is for our country to be a successful and pioneering nation in all aspects. I will work alongside you to achieve that.” Similarly, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed, “Together, we will build our country into the prosperous and strong nation we aspire to, fully utilizing the cooperation and capabilities of both its men and women.” These visionary statements continue to guide Saudi Arabia’s remarkable progress.
In this context, Jared Kushner, former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating, “Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a visionary leader. I believe he will bring significant change to the Middle East, and he has already accomplished many things that have made the world a better place.” Likewise, the Foreign Affairs magazine noted that Saudi Arabia has achieved greater ambitions under the assertive leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Despite its rapid advancements, Saudi Arabia remains committed to addressing the Palestinian cause. The country continues to provide extensive humanitarian aid and diplomatic support to the Palestinian people. Recently, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman firmly rejected a proposal by the United States and Israel to relocate Palestinians to Saudi Arabia. In a strong statement, he declared, “The Palestinian people are not nomads; they are the rightful inhabitants of their land. They must remain there forever. We will never allow their expulsion from Palestine.”
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has played a key role in mediating conflicts and promoting peace in various war-torn nations, reinforcing its position as a leader in regional and global stability.
Saudi Arabia was the leading Arab economy in 2023, ranking second only to the G20 in terms of economic growth. It also secured the 9th position among the world’s 10 most powerful and influential economies.
In the field of defense and technology, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the most advanced drone manufacturer in the Middle East, producing 120 drones annually to enhance its military capabilities.
The country’s tourism sector has also seen remarkable progress, attracting visitors from around the world. Additionally, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in global economic organizations such as the G20 and BRICS, further strengthening its international influence.
Through the grace of Allah, the unwavering dedication of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the resilience of the Saudi people, the nation continues to achieve outstanding success and development, drawing global recognition.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains a key figure in both national and international affairs. Widely regarded as a visionary leader, he is celebrated as a champion of the Arab Islamic world and one of the most respected leaders on the global stage.
Saudi Arabia, a nation that has made remarkable progress in all fields, is also one of Sri Lanka’s closest allies. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Since the establishment of these ties, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Sri Lanka through major infrastructure, social, and economic development projects. Notable contributions include the construction of the Kinniya Bridge, the establishment of an advanced Neurology Unit at Colombo National Hospital, infrastructure development at universities, medical camps for vision treatment, and the annual distribution of tons of dates as a gesture of goodwill.
As the people of Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the global community celebrate Saudi Foundation Day on February 22, the Al-Hikma Foundation and its Board of Directors extend their heartfelt congratulations, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and the people of Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khalid Hamud Al-Qahtani.
