Sri Lanka envoy hails His Majesty’s leadership

Muscat: The newly-appointed Sri Lankan ambassador for Oman has praised and acknowledged His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said for transforming the country in a short span of time.
In an exclusive interview with the Times of Oman, O.L. Ameer Ajwad, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, said that the country had been transformed into a tolerant and peaceful country under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
“It is truly miraculous progress within such a short span of time in less than 50 years, and also it is one generation which is absolutely amazing indeed,” said Ajwad who also took the opportunity to thank His Majesty for the trust he had placed on Sri Lankan nationals living across the Sultanate.
“The first Inspector General of Police in Oman, Felix De Silva, worked with His Majesty back in those days. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to His Majesty for the trust he has placed on Sri Lankan nationals and also the opportunity he has provided to Sri Lankan nationals to serve this great country,” the ambassador said.
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Speaking about the ties between the two countries, Ajwad said the cordial relationship went back to the ninth century.
“History records the visit of ninth century Omani vessel to the port of Galle in Sri Lanka. A replica of that vessel called Jewel of Muscat again sailed into Galle harbour in 2010 tracing back the old ancient silk route,” he said.
The envoy also highlighted an MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.
“Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs signed this MoU during his official visit to Sri Lanka in 2012. From that day, we have been having second round of consultations, and third will be held earlier next year in Oman. This has been a milestone in our relationship which serves as a catalyst to further foster bilateral links between Sri Lanka and Oman,” he said.
“We have also identified key areas for bilateral cooperation during these rounds of consultations which include Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Fisheries, Defence Cooperation, Higher Education and Tourism,” the ambassador added.