Saudi Arabia Marks 94th National Day with Grand Celebrations

(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – On the momentous occasion of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and the esteemed Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Khalid Hamoud Al Qahtani. This day marks not only the Kingdom’s independence but also its remarkable journey of growth, both economically and developmentally.

Saudi Arabia has earned its place on the world stage, captivating global attention with its unprecedented strides in various sectors. Under the visionary leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has set an ambitious path toward realizing its 2030 Vision—a transformative blueprint for national and regional progress. Projects like Neom, The Line, and the Expo 2030 are testaments to this bold vision, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading economic powerhouse and a symbol of modern innovation.

The relationship between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia is rooted in deep ties, marked by mutual cooperation and extensive financial and humanitarian support. Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in assisting Sri Lanka through various forms of aid, fostering growth and development in the island nation.

One of the key aspects of this partnership is Saudi Arabia’s significant financial contributions to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure. Noteworthy projects include the construction of modern facilities at Colombo National Hospital, the Kinniya Bridge, and the longest road in the eastern region. These developments have not only improved the nation’s connectivity but have also enhanced the quality of healthcare for its citizens. In addition to these projects, Saudi Arabia has consistently supported Sri Lanka during times of crisis. From providing tsunami relief to offering substantial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kingdom has proven itself a steadfast ally.

The Kingdom’s commitment to Sri Lanka extends into the realm of education, with scholarships awarded annually to Sri Lankan students, enabling them to pursue higher studies in Saudi Arabian universities. This investment in human capital strengthens the long-term bonds between the two nations. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian gestures, such as distributing thousands of tons of free dates during Ramadan and contributing 300 tons to school lunch programs, demonstrate their ongoing care for Sri Lanka’s welfare.

In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, Saudi Arabia once again stepped forward with humanitarian aid. Additionally, Saudi Arabia hosted the first-ever Quran memorization competition in Sri Lanka, which featured generous cash prizes. This competition not only promoted religious values but also fostered cultural exchange between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia’s support for Sri Lanka in global forums like the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) further underscores its diplomatic solidarity. The establishment of the Sri Lanka-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Welfare Association and Economic Partnership Agreements are clear signs of a thriving bilateral relationship that has consistently focused on mutual benefit.

Saudi Arabia’s support has also been felt on a personal level, through efforts like the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, which has provided free eye surgeries for thousands of Sri Lankans living under the poverty line. Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s swift intervention in rescuing Sri Lankan refugees affected by the Sudanese civil war illustrates the Kingdom’s deep humanitarian concern. The steady flow of Saudi Arabian tourists to Sri Lanka has also boosted the local economy, further strengthening ties between the two nations.

Saudi Arabia holds a distinctive position in the Middle East, not only due to its vast land area and population but also because it is the heartland of Islam, home to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. As the custodian of these sacred sites, Saudi Arabia is etched deeply in the consciousness of Muslims worldwide. It is a nation that actively engages in addressing global Muslim concerns while also fostering religious and cultural dialogue with non-Muslim countries.

The Kingdom’s diplomatic acumen has allowed it to maintain strong ties with global powers, including the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union. These relationships have elevated Saudi Arabia’s influence on the global stage, making it a vital player in both political and economic arenas.

In its fight against terrorism, Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role in promoting global peace and tolerance. The Kingdom has organized numerous international conferences aimed at combating extremism, fostering interfaith dialogue, and promoting coexistence. In August, Saudi Arabia hosted an international conference in Mecca focused on eliminating extremism and promoting tolerance. This was followed by seven similar conferences held in various countries around the world, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global peace.

In humanitarian matters, Saudi Arabia has consistently proven to be a global leader. The Kingdom has provided long-term interest-free loans to struggling economies, intervened in civil wars, and played a critical role in peace negotiations. Its support for the Palestinian cause, including humanitarian aid to Palestinians, is unparalleled, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key advocate for global humanitarianism.

Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global superpower is being driven by its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. This visionary roadmap, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to transform the Kingdom into a vibrant society, a prosperous economy, and an advanced nation.

The centerpiece of this vision is economic diversification. While Saudi Arabia is well-known for its vast oil reserves, the country is now focusing on developing non-oil sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and technology. Vision 2030 emphasizes innovation in cutting-edge industries like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of modern technological advancements.

Major projects such as Neom and The Line are critical components of Vision 2030, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable urban living, advanced technology, and environmental conservation. These futuristic cities will serve as global hubs for innovation and a model for sustainable development.

Expo 2030 will be a milestone event for Saudi Arabia, providing the Kingdom with a global platform to showcase its national transformation and pioneering achievements. It is also an opportunity to strengthen its position as a leading nation in the Middle East and globally. This shift toward self-sufficiency and diversification has attracted the attention of world powers. Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global economic summits like the G20 has solidified its status as a major player in international affairs.

As the Kingdom continues to rise as a global power, it has embraced a leadership role in regional and international diplomacy. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic outreach, technological advancements, and humanitarian leadership are positioning it to compete with world powers and redefine its role on the global stage.

In celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Ambassador Khalid Hamoud Al Qahtani. As Saudi Arabia charts a path toward becoming a global superpower, its leadership and vision stand as a beacon of hope, unity, and progress for nations across the globe.

On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, we wish Saudi Arabia continued prosperity, peace, and success in the years ahead. May the strong friendship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka flourish, and may the Kingdom’s bright future continue to inspire the world.