Top Saudi entrepreneurs explore investment possibilities in Sri Lanka

A leading international entrepreneur, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud called on President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday (4) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The Prince, who is a leading Saudi businessman, investor and philanthropist and a member of the Saudi Royal Family, said that he was quite impressed with Sri Lanka’s growing economy and that he would explore the possibility of making heavy investments in several sectors including tourism. 

He said Sri Lanka had immense potential in tourism as a country that had many things to offer from greenery, history, culture, beaches and most hospitable people.

President Sirisena thanked the Government of Saudi Arabia for the development assistance given over the years and said the Sri Lankan work force of more than 400,000 in Saudi Arabia was a great strength to the economy.

He thanked Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, a well-known philanthropist, for generous assistance provided for flood victims in Sri Lanka.

The Prince said he would promote Sri Lanka as a investment destination and suggested that President Sirisena visit Saudi Arabia with a business delegation to promote trade and investment.

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz was accompanied by his wife and a large delegation. Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Sri Lanka Ambassador in Saudi Arabia Azim Thassim were also present during the discussion.