Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics receives Minister Bimal Rathnayake

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh Al-Jasser received Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka, Bimal Rathnayake on the sidelines of the 2nd Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference held in Jeddah from 03- 04 September 2025.

During the meeting, Minister Rathnayake briefed Minister Al-Jasser on the recent developments in Sri Lanka highlighting the country’s progress toward political and economic stability. He also underscored the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ports and logistics sectors and emphasized the importance of establishing a bilateral mechanism to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. Minister Ratnayake also extended an invitation to the Saudi delegation to participate at the International Maritime Summit, Voyage Sri Lanka- 2025, scheduled to be held on 16 October 2025 in Colombo.

Minister Al-Jasser congratulated Sri Lanka on its recent achievements and commended the government’s efforts in establishing a solid foundation for future development. He affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka and expressed interest in fostering stronger partnerships, including through private sector engagement.

Both sides agreed to continue to collaborate at the International Maritime Organization including capacity building programmes for seafarers for the mutual benefits.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad along with the Acting Consul General in Jeddah Mafusa Lafir; Additional Director General D.A.S. Jayasekara and Private Secretary to the Minister Asanka Chandrasena, participated during the bilateral meeting between Minister Bimal Rathnayake and Minister Saleh Al-Jasser.