Contribute to economic development of country - Saudi Ambassador

BY MOHAMMED Rasooldeen in Riyadh

SRI LANKA'S 58th National Day in the kingdom was celebrated with a call to the island's expatriates in the Kingdom to contribute to the economic development of their country.

"It is the duty of Sri Lankans residing in the Kingdom to work for the economic progress of their country," island's ambassador A.M.J. Sadiq told his countrymen who were present at the function to mark the 58th Anniversary of Sri Lanka's Independence at the Sri Lankan Embassy, here yesterday.

Sadiq said the forthcoming direct talks between the government and the LTTE in Geneva have given fresh hopes for peace in Sri Lanka.

"This is an ideal opportunity for people to invest in various projects in the island," he stressed. "Sri Lankans could be goodwill ambassadors in the Kingdom to attract more Saudi investments for viable projects in Sri Lanka."

He said his government launched foreign currency denominated Government Bonds giving an opportunity for overseas Sri Lankans to contribute to the nation- building efforts.

The entire proceeds of the Bond issue will be utilized for infrastructure development of the country. The initial issue to the value of US$ 25 million will be issued to Sri Lankans who are residents overseas and those who work abroad and earn foreign exchange, the envoy added.

Earlier, the ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador A.M.J. Sadiq and the singing of the National Authem by the choir of the Sri Lankan International School Riyadh.

Two minutes silence was observed in memory of national heroes who had struggled for freedom as well as the members of the armed forces who had laid down their lives to protect the country's sovereignty. Following the conducting of multi-faith observances, the National Day Messages of the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read. First Secretary W.S.M.S. Wijesundera read the message of President Mahinda Rajapakse in Sinhalese, while, M.B.M. Zarook, Labour Welfare Officer read it in Tamil and Commercial Secretary P.A.S. Ponnamperuma in English, Religious scholars from all faiths prayed for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

The traditional oil lamp was lit by the envoy and prominent members of the community representing all walks of life.

Gamini Jayasekera, Sellacuddy Murugadas A.S.M. Nishthar and Niron Dissanayake delivered religious discourses to invoke the blessing of God for the good of the nation.