Sri Lankan Ambassador to 'Al-Anba': Kuwait is a Key Strategic Partner, with Shared Views Uniting Both Countries on Regional and International Issues

Osama Diab: The Ambassador of the Republic of Sri Lanka to the State of Kuwait, Lakshitha Pradeep Ratnayake, affirmed the depth of the historical relations and strategic partnership uniting the two friendly countries, emphasizing his country’s commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation to broader horizons, particularly in economic, commercial, investment, and tourism sectors, alongside enhancing cooperation in the labor field and meeting the needs of the Kuwaiti labor market.

In an interview with “Al-Anbaa,” the ambassador stated that Kuwait represents a key strategic partner for Sri Lanka, noting the presence of approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan nationals in the country, and expressing his country’s aspiration to increase labor cooperation with a focus on improving quality and meeting the requirements of the Kuwaiti market.

He clarified that Kuwaiti investments in Sri Lanka remain below ambitious levels, despite the facilitations and privileges offered by his country to foreign investors, expressing his hope for a broader and more effective economic partnership between the two sides.

Details follow:

How do you assess the current state of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Kuwait, and what are the most significant developments in political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation between the two friendly countries?

Sri Lankan-Kuwaiti relations officially began in 1972, nearly 60 years ago. They are historical and excellent overall, evolving distinctly and noticeably across all fronts and various fields of bilateral cooperation. People-to-people ties between the two countries predate diplomatic relations, as Sri Lankan labor ties with Kuwait date back to the 1960s.

Today, approximately 200,000 Sri Lankan nationals work in Kuwait, a clear indicator of the strength of bilateral relations and robust people-to-people connectivity, which naturally fosters partnerships. Kuwaiti friends visit Sri Lanka, and Sri Lankans come to Kuwait, strengthening bilateral ties without requiring exceptional efforts.

Undoubtedly, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs pays special attention to developing relations with Kuwait, as it is one of the most important countries in the Gulf region.

We have made significant progress in labor sector cooperation, making Kuwait a favorable destination for Sri Lankans seeking employment opportunities. We also hold regular bilateral consultations, with officials from both countries meeting periodically, striving to advance political relations and establish solid economic ties.

The Kuwaiti market is rich with many Sri Lankan products. In major stores, you can find Sri Lankan spices, cinnamon, gemstones, and the very famous Sri Lankan tea.

**Kuwait’s Role Regionally and Internationally**

How do you view Kuwait’s role regionally and internationally in resolving conflicts, maintaining peace, and preserving stability?

Kuwait is a small country in terms of size, but its diplomatic role in the world far exceeds its geographical footprint. It plays a significant role on the international stage, maintaining strong bilateral and multilateral relations across the globe. This is a strength that demonstrates its weight on the world stage and highlights its commitment to establishing peace, particularly regional peace. Furthermore, its long-standing and professional diplomacy, along with its belief in the principles of the United Nations, international law, and dialogue as an indispensable means of resolving conflicts, has played a major role in supporting this standing.

**To what extent is there convergence in viewpoints between the two countries regarding regional and international events, and to what extent do you exchange support in international forums?**

We share converging viewpoints with Kuwait on many files and issues on both the regional and international stages, and we exchange support in international forums. We also exchange views and consultations on a periodic basis. Approximately three months ago, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath held a direct telephone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber. The two ministers exchanged views and reviewed security developments and military escalation in the region, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace and security and calling for the utmost restraint and the adoption of diplomatic solutions.

**Volume of Trade**

What is the total volume of trade between the two countries? What are your key steps to increase its rates?

The volume of trade between the two countries remains below ambitious levels, reaching approximately $49 million in 2025. However, what is encouraging is the continuous growth of these rates with promising indicators. Last year, Sri Lankan exports to Kuwait grew by approximately 40%. Therefore, we are working hard to introduce the Kuwaiti market to our unique and diverse products.

**What are the most important areas you prioritize to develop bilateral relations with Kuwait?**

Our relations currently focus on the labor sector, as mentioned, given that approximately 200,000 Sri Lankans work in Kuwait. However, we are also focusing on enhancing tourism, as Sri Lanka is not yet a well-known destination for the Kuwaiti people. Therefore, we are working to promote it in Kuwait.

Sri Lanka boasts unique tourism diversity, combining ancient history, stunning mountainous nature, rich wildlife, and tropical beaches. It is a destination suitable for visiting throughout the year, as there are no harsh climatic conditions. This year has seen a clear growth in the number of Kuwaiti tourists to Sri Lanka, reaching approximately 50% compared to 2025 indicators, with more than 10,000 Kuwaiti tourists visiting Sri Lanka this year. Therefore, I expect a good increase in the tourism sector this year. This has been aided by direct flights between the two countries, as SriLankan Airlines, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways operate daily flights. Thus, three airlines operate direct routes, and the journey takes only four to five hours.

**Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding**

How many agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed between the two countries?

Are you planning to sign new agreements or renew some of the old ones? We have a number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding that govern bilateral relations between the two countries and form their legal framework. We are currently working on a new agreement concerning mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports, which will facilitate communication and strengthen relations. We are also seeking to develop political bilateral agreements during the coming year.

What about the investment climate in Sri Lanka? Are there Kuwaiti investments, and in which sectors? The investment climate in Sri Lanka is distinctive and brimming with leading opportunities. Political stability, structural financial reforms, and the package of facilities provided by the government to investors—most notably 100% ownership and the ability to repatriate profits in full, along with constitutional protection for investments—have played a distinctive role in attracting foreign direct investment to Sri Lanka from countries such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, France, the Netherlands, China, the United States, and Luxembourg.

The most prominent foreign direct investments in Sri Lanka are concentrated in the manufacturing, port development, logistics, real estate, tourism, and hospitality sectors. As for Kuwaiti investments, they exist but their volume is below expectations.

What is your message to the Kuwaiti investor? Sri Lanka is a country rich in opportunities, possessing immense potential and a distinctive workforce, with a government that encourages and protects investments. Therefore, I invite you to visit Sri Lanka, explore these opportunities, and benefit from them in a way that achieves mutual benefit for our two friendly countries.

We have investment zones, and investors can visit them if they wish to establish a factory or other facilities. We provide the entities that offer these facilitations. There are also numerous privileges for investors, including the ease of transferring funds from their home country to Sri Lanka, and then easily repatriating their profits from Sri Lanka to their home country. We have ongoing projects, the most famous being the Colombo Port project, and investment is also possible in the real estate sector.

Do you cooperate with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and what is the scope of the areas it finances and in which sectors? We have had distinctive cooperation with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development since 1976, i.e., for fifty years. The Fund has provided 16 development loans worth over $285 million to finance infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka in the fields of roads and bridge construction, and building hospitals and universities.

Recently, a few months ago, we held discussions regarding the development of Sri Lanka’s highway network, and the Fund agreed to provide financing on concessional terms. We have informed the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka about this, and negotiations are ongoing. We hope that these funds will contribute to supporting development efforts in Sri Lanka.

Tell us about the main tourism assets in Sri Lanka, the infrastructure, and the most important places you recommend Kuwaitis visit? Sri Lanka is a medium-sized island, which is why the explorer Marco Polo said it is the best island of its size—not too large, nor too small. We have beaches extending over 100 kilometers around the country, and the southern beaches are exceptional with their clear waters and white sands. You can watch whales, as whale-watching trips are famous in Sri Lanka, and the region is also known for its seafood.

Our hotel sector is advanced, as we have been receiving international tourists since after World War II. Consequently, we have trained personnel and high-quality services thanks to this experience. We also possess a rich heritage, with eight sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and visitors can explore ancient cities such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. We offer natural beauty and wildlife, allowing you to visit reserves. Accommodation options vary according to income, ranging from seven-star to one-star hotels, down to guesthouses and homestays.

Turning to your community in Kuwait, you mentioned that it is large. In which fields do they work?

Most members of the Sri Lankan community in Kuwait are employed in the domestic work sector. However, there are also Sri Lankans working in other sectors, particularly healthcare, including doctors and nurses, as well as chartered accountants and engineers. Sri Lankan chefs are renowned and hold managerial positions in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

Is there an intention to increase the number of community members, and have you held talks with the Kuwaiti side on this matter?

Yes, I have held two or three discussions with the relevant authorities to improve the quality of the domestic work sector. It has become clear to me that Kuwaiti authorities have a clear direction toward importing more Sri Lankan workers, and we are ready to fill any gaps in the labor market.

What is the significance of “Sri Lanka Expo 2027”? Has Kuwait’s participation been confirmed?

“Sri Lanka Expo 2027” is an international trade and investment exhibition organized by the Sri Lanka Export Board, in collaboration with government entities and the private sector. It will take place from January 14 to 17, 2027, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. More than 750 Sri Lankan companies and institutions will participate, along with international participants. Key participating sectors include apparel and textiles, fashion, tea, spices, and agricultural products, gemstones and jewelry, engineering and electronics industries, food industries and health products, information technology and digital services, tourism, logistics, and renewable energy.

Kuwait will participate in Sri Lanka Expo, as six or seven Kuwaiti businessmen have registered to attend so far, and we are working to increase this number further.

When did you arrive in Kuwait, and what do you recall from the day you presented your credentials to His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad?

I have been here for about two years and will complete my second year in February next year. My meeting with His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad was a very significant event and a memory that will remain etched in my mind. His Highness dedicated time to discuss our bilateral relations, which was a great honor for me.