January 16, Colombo (LNW): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing job opportunities for Sri Lankans and enhancing employment prospects for professionals in the UAE.
This pledge was made by UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Khaled Nasser Al Ameri, during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat.
Ambassador Al Ameri shared that approximately 150,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed in the UAE, contributing significantly to the labour force in various sectors.
He expressed the UAE’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s economic development, with a focus on fostering deeper economic ties and creating new avenues for employment.
During the discussions, the Ambassador highlighted that the UAE is eager to expand its employment offerings for Sri Lankans, particularly targeting skilled professionals, and is keen to build on the existing strong workforce presence in the Gulf.
Al Ameri also noted that under the new political framework in Sri Lanka, opportunities for UAE investors have been significantly enhanced, providing a more attractive and conducive environment for business investments.
He went on to explain that while Sri Lanka had previously faced challenges in fostering an investment-friendly atmosphere, recent reforms have opened up promising prospects for foreign investors, particularly from the UAE.
As a result, the UAE is looking forward to entering into new trade and investment agreements with Sri Lanka, further strengthening the commercial relationship between the two nations.
The UAE Ambassador also extended an invitation to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to visit the UAE, with a view to engaging in direct discussions with UAE leaders and potential investors.
Al Ameri suggested that such high-level meetings would provide an excellent platform for advancing diplomatic and economic cooperation, ultimately benefiting both countries.
