Riyadh: President of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi received Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Kingdom Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad in Riyadh. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest developments related to the severe weather disasters that recently struck Sri Lanka, resulting in widespread flooding and landslides. The disasters caused significant losses, affecting more than two million people and resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and property across the country.
According to Saudi Press Agency, they also discussed prospects for enhancing cooperation in emergency response, ambulance services, disaster management, and the exchange of technical expertise, with the aim of strengthening preparedness and improving responses to future challenges. For his part, the ambassador commended the authority's role during the Hajj season, noting the benefits the Sri Lankan community in the Kingdom has derived from the ambulance services provided, particularly given the presence of approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan workers in Saudi Arabia.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international humanitarian cooperation, in line with its national mandate to extend support and assistance and contribute to life-saving efforts, consistent with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and reflecting the Kingdom's leading role in humanitarian work.