Ambassador Khalid Humoud Al Kahtani
COLOMBO : “King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center is a global model in providing humanitarian and development assistance, based on the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting people wherever they are, regardless of religion or race. The center relies in its work on constants that stem from lofty humanitarian goals, based on providing assistance to those in need and relieving the afflicted anywhere in the world with an accurate monitoring mechanism and advanced and fast transportation methods, through the assistance of United Nations organizations and international and local non-profit organizations in the beneficiary countries with high reliability. The projects and programs provided by the center are taken into account to be diverse according to those entitled to them and the circumstances in which they live or have been exposed to. The assistance includes all sectors of relief and humanitarian work (relief security, camp management, shelter, early recovery, protection, education, water and environmental sanitation, nutrition, health, support for humanitarian operations, logistics services, emergency communications).
King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center seeks to be a global model in this field, based on several pillars, including:
Continuing the Kingdom’s approach in extending a helping hand to those in need around the world.
Providing aid away from any non-humanitarian motives.
Coordination and consultation with trusted international organizations and bodies.
Implementing all international standards followed in relief programs.
Unifying efforts between the parties concerned with relief work in the Kingdom.
Professionalism and efficiency of the center’s employees and volunteers.
Ensuring that aid reaches those who deserve it and is not exploited for other purposes.
That the aid is of high quality and source reliability.
Based on the distinguished relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Sri Lanka, and the keenness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to alleviate the suffering of countries around the world, including the Republic of Sri Lanka, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center intends to implement the Saudi Noor Volunteer Project in the Republic of Sri Lanka to combat blindness and diseases that cause it in Government hospitals in the areas of Hambantota in the southern part of Sri Lanka and Kattankudy in the eastern part Sri Lanka, during the period from February 10 to 23, 2025. This project includes performing surgeries for thousands of cases, providing them with medical services, medicines, spectacles, lenses, and health awareness. This project is an extension of the projects organized by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in the Republic of Sri Lanka, as the center has previously organized several volunteer campaigns in different regions of the Republic of Sri Lanka over the past years, the most recent of which was in the areas of Walasmulla in the southern part of Sri Lanka and Kattankudy in the eastern part of Sri Lanka, during the period from November 3 to 16, 2024. This humanitarian initiative aims not only to restore sight, but also to improve the quality of life of the beneficiaries, enabling them to return to their normal lives and participate actively in their communities. These efforts reflect the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially the third goal related to good health and well-being. This initiative was not limited to the medical aspect only, but also included enhancing health awareness among local communities through awareness programs aimed at preventing eye diseases and providing a supportive environment for sustainable health care. These efforts have had a tangible positive impact on thousands of beneficiaries in Sri Lanka, helping them to regain hope and overcome the challenges imposed by their visual impairments.
According to the Center’s statistics on its projects (completed – under implementation) to date in more than 105 countries, including the Republic of Sri Lanka, 3,306 projects have been completed at a total cost of USD 7,290,370,453, and the number of projects implemented in the Republic of Sri Lanka has reached 20 projects at a total cost of USD 15 million to date.
The Kingdom, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz – may Allah protect them – pays great attention to humanitarian initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals, especially in the health fields. The Saudi Noor Voluntary project reflects this commitment by seeking to provide the necessary medical care for those who are suffering from eye related diseases in all over the world, including the Republic of Sri Lanka.
We believe that the blessing of sight is priceless, and that contributing to combating eye diseases and restoring sight to thousands of patients is a noble humanitarian act that carries a message of hope and optimism. With this project, we emphasize the depth of the fraternal ties that unite the Kingdom and Sri Lanka, and enhance the ongoing cooperation between the two friendly countries.
On this occasion, I cannot miss extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this project, from medical personnel, volunteers and supporting bodies while asking the almighty Allah to bless their efforts and make this work in the balance of their good deeds.
