Harsha in Saudi to help resolve issues faced by Lankans

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsh de Silva was in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1 to 4 May aiming to resolve long-standing consular and labour issues faced by Sri Lankan migrant workers there. During his meetings with Saudi Labour Minister Dr. Mofarrej Saad Al- Hoqubani and Deputy Interior Minister Dr. Ahmed Al Salem, de Silva articulated the problems of stranded Sri Lankan employees and ‎convinced the two Ministers of the urgent need for finding solutions in the immediate future.  

Both Ministers agreed to devise a mechanism for arranging exit permits for ensuring early repatriation of stranded persons to Sri Lanka.   At the request of de Silva, the two Saudi Minsters also agreed to periodically share ‎employment details of Sri Lanakan workers during their stay in Saudi Arabia. 

This is said to be a major breakthrough as it would enable the Embassy to speedily reach out to Saudi employers of Sri Lankans workers faced with serious problems and are in need of urgent Consular and welfare assistance from the Embassy. In the absence of such details, the Embassy presently finds it hard to address their issues promptly.

The Sri Lankan Deputy Minister ‎received assurances from Saudi Minister of Social ‎Affairs Majed bin Abdullah Al Qasby and Deputy Minister for Public Health Abdulaziz Abdullah Bin Saeed that hospital access would be provided to stranded Sri Lankans at the shelter of the Embassy when they face medical emergencies. The Deputy Minister for Public Health also agreed to make arrangements to expedite conducting postmortems and to minimize delays in dispatching human remains to Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister de Silva also met with State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Madani and highlighted the significance of excellent bilateral relations while conveying sincere thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for cooperation and assistance towards Sri Lanka. 

According to a statement issued to the media, the meetings with the Saudi dignitaries produced positive outcomes in resolving longstanding Consular and labour issues. Dr. de Silva appreciated the positive responses from the Saudi ministers, extending them an invitation to visit Sri Lanka.‎

The Deputy Foreign Minister also addressed the community of Sri Lankan Professionals in Riyadh and encouraged their initiatives to promote trade, investment, tourism and culture between the two countries. Sri Lanka Ambassador‎ to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia M. A. Thassim and Director General of Consular Affairs Sudantha Ganegama Arachchi accompanied the de Silva to the meetings with the Saudi dignitaries.