Minister of Environment Naseer Ahamed has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Association for the ninth Parliament.
According to a Parliament statement, the special meeting to revive the Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Association for the ninth Parliament was chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana recently (10).
The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka His Excellency Khalid bin Hamoud bin Nasser Al – Qahtani was present as the guest of honor.
Accordingly, following the election of Minister Naseer Ahamed as President, Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, and MPs J. C. Alawathuwala and S. M. M. Muszhaaraff were elected as Vice Presidents. MP Rishad Bathiudeen was elected as the Secretary whilst MPs Ishak Rahuman and Vijitha Herath were elected as the Assistant Secretary and the Treasurer respectively.
Addressing the meeting, the Speaker stated that the Saudi Fund for Development extended a generous offer of at least 15 development loans, amounting to $425 million, which have been utilized for various projects in the domains of water, energy, health, roads, and education which has played a significant role in the construction of the PBC Highway, connecting the central and eastern provinces of Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the meeting, the newly elected President Minister of Environment Naseer Ahamed stated that he wishes to work towards further strengthening and building relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
Ministers, State Ministers, Members of Parliament and the Secretary General of the Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake were also present at the event. (NewsWire)