Saudi Arabia deepens investment in Sri Lanka with USD 50 mn medical faculty

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic and social development with the inauguration of the USD 50 million Faculty of Medicine at Sabaragamuwa University, a flagship investment expected to strengthen higher education, healthcare capacity and human capital while reinforcing the growing bilateral partnership between the two countries. The project, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), was inaugurated on Saturday in the presence of Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Harini Amarasuriya, Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khalid Hamoud Al Kahtani, SFD Deputy Chief Executive Officer Eng. Faisal Al-Kahtani, senior government officials and representatives of both countries. Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya described the project as another milestone in the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, expressing appreciation for the Saudi Fund for Development’s continued support in expanding higher education and creating opportunities for future generations of Sri Lankan students. The premier said the new Faculty of Medicine would help address the country’s growing demand for qualified medical professionals while strengthening the national healthcare system. Ambassador Khalid Hamoud Al Kahtani said the inauguration reflected the “strong and enduring partnership” between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka and underscored the two nations’ shared commitment to education, healthcare and sustainable development. The Ambassador added:”This achievement stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing education, healthcare and sustainable development.” The Ambassador paid tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Mohammed bin Salman for their vision and continued support for international development initiatives that foster economic cooperation and sustainable growth across partner countries. He also commended the Saudi Fund for Development for financing and implementing the project, describing the Faculty as an investment in human capital, knowledge and Sri Lanka’s future healthcare workforce. “We are confident that this new Faculty will play a vital role in educating future generations of medical professionals, serving the people of Sri Lanka and further strengthening the close friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” the Ambassador said. SFD Deputy CEO Eng. Faisal Al-Kahtani said the project represented far more than a new academic institution. “It is an investment in people, knowledge and opportunity. For more than four decades, the Saudi Fund for Development has partnered Sri Lanka in projects that improve lives and support sustainable economic and social development,” he said. The state-of-the-art Faculty of Medicine features modern laboratories, para-clinical teaching facilities and a comprehensive library, significantly expanding Sri Lanka’s medical education infrastructure. Since 1981, the Saudi Fund for Development has provided approximately USD 422.7 million through 15 development loans supporting 12 major projects in education, healthcare, water supply, transport and energy, making Saudi Arabia one of Sri Lanka’s key development partners in long-term infrastructure and human resource development.

By Ifham Nizam