Ameer Ajwad’s ’Sri Lanka-Oman Past Present and Future’ a roadmap to strengthen cross border ties

Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry

Oman Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Rashdi

Former Sri Lanka Ambassador to Oman Ameer Ajwad

National Chamber of Commerce President Nandika Buddhipal

From left: Foreign Affairs Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Former Sri Lanka Ambassador to Oman Ameer Ajwad, Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry and Oman Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Rashdi

By Zahida Rizvi

Foreign Ministry Director General Policy Planning and Overseas Administration Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad recently launched a useful publication titled “Sri Lanka-Oman Past Present and Future”.

It unravels the historic bond between Oman and Sri Lanka and lays out a roadmap towards enhancing future ties with crucial data from both nations’ Government agencies in order to promote greater economic cooperation between both nations.

Speaking to Daily FT, Ajwad explained that “Sri Lanka-Oman Past Present and Future” is a reflection on laying forth a path for future cooperation between Oman and Sri Lanka and focuses on developing highly promising areas, such as, trade, investment, tourism, educational cooperation, skilled labour, maritime cooperation and energy cooperation.

“Oman and Sri Lanka have a long history of trading along the Silk Road, but there is currently a gap in the opportunities they take advantage of and the amount of trade they engage in and there is hope that the book ‘Sri Lanka-Oman Past Present and Future’ will bridge that gap,” stated Ajwad. The book gives a wide-reaching view of the long-standing connections and diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Oman and further gives a thorough analysis of international partnerships between both nations, to enhance Bilateral Trade agreements and encourage greater commercial cooperation in the upcoming years.

Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Sri Lanka Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Rashdi reviewed the book at the launch ceremony.

“Sri Lanka-Oman Past Present and Future is the first book that details the historic links shared by Sri Lanka and Oman while also reflecting on the present diplomatic ties between the two nations.”

Oman and Sri Lanka have penned a Memorandum of Understanding, which earmarks the “Joint Sri Lanka-Oman Business council”, reflecting deeper partnerships with both countries.

Ajwad further pointed out that a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) has been proposed to increase bilateral trade volumes and the expectation of expanding into a free trade agreement.

 “The deployment of a direct container service is proposed as a way to link the Colombo Port City and the Sohar port in Oman. In order to transport a ship between the ports, Oman Shipping is prepared. Furthermore, anticipate producing freight for the canal.”

Oman Vision 2040 Chief Economist Dr. Yousuf Hamed Al Balushi cited: “Attracting FDI and joining hands with friends such as Sri Lanka who are advanced in certain industries, possessing the know-how, technology, and the right team, an fill a lot of gaps Oman aspires to fill.”

Pix by Upul Abayasekara