Consul General A. Sabarullah Khan hoisted the Sri Lankan flag at the Sri Lankan Consulate in Jeddah Friday in celebration of his country's 63rd National Day. (Saudi Gazette photo by Fouzia Khan) JEDDAH: The 63rd Sri Lankan National Day was celebrated at the consulate premises here by the Sri Lankan community Friday. A. Sabarullah Khan, the Consul General, hoisted the flag, which was followed by the Sri Lankan national anthem and the singing of patriotic songs. Khan congratulated his fellow countrymen on the occasion and delivered the message of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Sri Lankan president, who appealed to Sri Lankans to demonstrate moral courage, be good citizens and work towards the progress of the country with unity. “The president's message contains valuable advice for the entire Sri Lankan community asking them to stay united and work for the happiness and contentment of all, regardless of ethnic, party or religious differences, for the development of the country. This is a worthy aim for any nation, as divisions lead to the loss of freedom. Building a united Sri Lanka is of the utmost importance; the nation must have the commitment to unite,” the consul general said. Khan also conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to all Sri Lankans and persons of Sri Lankan origin residing in Saudi Arabia. “I wish to reiterate with sincere appreciation, the excellent bilateral relations, existing at all levels between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. I am pleased to note that Sri Lanka has been made a safe destination for tourists and investors, who are exploring the endless opportunities that the country offers,” he said. “The Consulate will focus on vigorously augmenting bilateral trade, investment and tourism with Saudi Arabia this year,” he added. He said that the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, will continue to provide the best possible consular assistance, to the Sri Lankan community in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia, adding that he believes that “our collective efforts towards the common goal of nation building is fast becoming a success story”.
