Both Minsters agreed to devise a mechanism for arranging exit permits for ensuring early repatriation of stranded persons to Sri Lanka. At the request of Dr. Harsha de Silva, the two Saudi Minsters also agreed to periodically share employment details of Sri Lanakan workers during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
This would be a major breakthrough as it would enable the Embassy to speedily reach out to Saudi employers of Sri Lankans workers who are faced with serious problems and are in need of urgent Consular and welfare assistance from the Embassy. In the absence of such details, the Embassy presently finds it hard to address their issues promptly.
As a result of his successful efforts at the meetings with Majed bin Abdullah Al Qasby , Minister of Social Affairs and Abdulaziz Abdullah Bin Saeed, Deputy Minster for Public Health , Dr. Harsha de Silva received assurances from the Saudi Ministers that the hospital access would be provided to stranded Sri Lankans at the shelter of the Embassy when they face medical emergencies. The Deputy Minster for Public Health also agreed to make arrangements to expedite conducting postmortems and to minimize delays in dispatching the human remains to Sri Lanka.
Dr. Harsha de Silva met with Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Madani, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and highlighted the significance of excellent bilateral relations while conveying sincere thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for cooperation and assistance towards Sri Lanka.
The above meetings with the Saudi dignitaries produced positive outcomes in resolving longstanding Consular and labour issues. Hon Dr de Silva appreciated the positive responses from the Saudi Ministers and cordially invited them to visit Sri Lanka.
Dr. Harsha de Silva found time to address the community of Sri Lankan Professionals in Riyadh and to encourage their initiatives to promote trade, investment, tourism and culture between the two countries. M. A. Thassim Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Mr Sudantha Ganegama Arachchi accompanied the Dr. Harsha de Silva to the meetings with the Saudi Dignitaries.
