Prince Alwaleed ibn Talal's first visit to Sri Lanka has opened new areas of cooperation in the hospitality industry and tourism. "Prince Alwaleed's brief visit to the island on Wednesday has given a fillip to Saudi-Sri Lanka relations," Saudi Ambassador in Colombo Mohammed Mahmud Al-Ali told Arab News over the phone. In addition to his donation toward the tsunami funds, the prince gave $300,000 to the President's Fund which was meant for the welfare of all Sri Lankans, the envoy added. Prince Alwaleed was given a warm welcome by the Sri Lankan government and its people. He met with President Chandrika Kuamratunge, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Minister of Tourism Anura Bandaranaike. Prince Alwaleed assured Kumaratunga that Saudi Arabia was committed to assisting Sri Lanka's reconstruction program in the long term and also making substantial investments in the tourism sector. "We are willing to invest in Sri Lanka's tourism on a large scale," he said. The prince also noted the economic contribution made by the 350,000 Sri Lankans working in the Kingdom. The prince said that the Kingdom was helping Sri Lanka to re-develop all tsunami-hit areas. It has already granted SR13 million as reconstruction aid that will be utilized for building 1,000 houses in the village of Kirinda and other areas. During his talks with Prime Minister Rajapakse the prince discussed reconstruction activities in the coastal regions and explored other areas where the two countries can cooperate.
