Doha Bank CEO honoured with ‘Award of Excellence’ by Sri Lanka

Friday, 23 February 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Doha: The government of Sri Lanka has bestowed an ‘Award of Excellence’ to Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman during a recently-held cultural program in Doha.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar, in association with Sri Lanka Coordinating Committee, organised the Cultural Program on 16 February at the Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha to mark Sri Lanka’s 70th Anniversary of Independence.

At this event, on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar, A S P Liyanage presented the award to Dr. Seetharaman, the bank said in a statement.

The award was given in recognition of the support extended by Seetharaman in promoting bilateral trade and investment relationships between Qatar and Sri Lanka.

Doha Bank has been extending credit lines to Sri Lankan banks and has received in-principle approval for opening a representative office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and shall commence its operations soon, the bank said.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Seetharaman, who was also the Guest of Honour said the IMF expects Sri Lanka to report GDP growth of 4.8% in 2018.

“Diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Qatar persists since 1976. In recent times, Sri Lanka’s imports from Qatar have primarily been polymers of ethylene while Sri Lanka’s exports to Qatar were mainly bananas followed by food preparations, tea and vegetables. Sri Lanka can support Qatar in food. Qatar can continue to support Sri Lanka in polymers. Sri Lanka is keen on seeking Qatari investment in tourism, power and health sectors. Sri Lanka has enjoyed close ties with Qatar with over 120,000 of Sri Lankans making up the close to 2.7mn population of Qatar,” he said.

The event also witnessed cultural performances from the Sri Lankan community in Qatar.