President returns after successful Qatar visit

President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the country Wednesday morning after a successful tour in the state of Qatar.

President Rajapaksa participated in the 12th Doha Forum and Enriching the Middle East Economic Future Conference as an international guest of honor on a special invitation from Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Addressing the Doha forum the President said Sri Lanka is ready to establish lasting peace with sustainable economic prosperity.

He said his Government is committed to empower the economy for the benefit of all citizens and make Sri Lanka the economic hub of the region for the people to enjoy the benefits of the development.

During his visit President Rajapaksa met with the Emir and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani on the sidelines of the forum and held discussions on a range of economic issues important to the two countries.

Both the Emir and the Prime Minister have reiterated their unconditional support for Sri Lanka to achieve speedy development.

The President has expressed his appreciation to Qatar for extending support to Sri Lanka at the Geneva Human Rights Session.

President Rajapaksa also took time to meet the migrant Sri Lankan workers in the country and inquire their well-being.

The rich Gulf country has appreciated the disciplined and quality service tendered by the expatriate Sri Lankan workers.

President Rajapaksa also visited the Pearl-Qatar Institute in Doha which is developing an artificial island with residential and commercial properties.

Over 610 participants representing 84 countries and organizations attended the Forum that broadly discussed critical political, economic, social, financial, strategic and human matters of pressing concern for the region.

Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, A.H.M. Fowzie, Rishad Bathiudeen and Rauf Hakeem, Deputy Minister Faizer Mustapha, Parliamentarians A.H.M. Azwar and Sajin Vaas Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar Jayantha Palipana accompanied the President.