Minister highlights Lanka, Saudi ties

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama met Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz al Saud, Assistant Minister of Defence and Aviation for Military Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on February 19 on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2008.

The Minister highlighted the cordial ties between the two nations and mentioned that there were 500,000 Sri Lankan workers in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest communities of expatriate workers in the Kingdom. Prince Khalid responded that they were doing well in the country.

Bogollagama also mentioned that Sri Lanka was seeking observer status at the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

The Minister stated that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had always been an advocate of strong ties with the Middle East and had been the President of the Palestine Friendship Association for 30 years.

He extended an invitation for the Saudi Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka which Prince Khalid agreed to convey.

Bogollagama also raised the issue of domestic worker Rizana facing death penalty in Saudi Arabia in relation to the death of an infant.

The Minister appealed for assistance to obtain clemency for Rizana. Prince Khalid assured the Minister of the Saudi Arabian Government's support and indicated that it was the practice of the Saudi authorities to seek to persuade the victim's family to offer clemency, but stated that the matter of granting clemency ultimately lies with the victim's family.

The Prince stated that this law applies to all in Saudi Arabia including the Royal family and highlighted an incident last year when one of his relatives was saved minutes before execution when the victim's family agreed to clemency.

Associated with Prince Khalid was Dr. Mohamad Amin Kurdi, Ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Singapore.

Associated with the Minister was Shehan Ratnavale, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore and Savitri Panabokke, First Secretary.