Qatar opened its Charity Office in Colombo on Wednesday resuming its activities for the welfare of the Sri Lankans in all parts of the island.
The formal re-launch was held at the Hotel Taj Samudra on Wednesday in the presence of the Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Charity Youssef Al-Kuwari, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry,PC Qatar Ambassador Jassim bin Jaber J.B. Al-Sorour and Government officials.
Education Minister Susil Premjayantha, former Ministers Kabeer Hashim and Imtiaz Bakeer Markar were also present along with Ambassadors from Egypt, Palestine and Oman.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry held talks with the CEO of Qatar Charity at his office on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking to Daily News, Sabry said he was really delighted to have the services of the Qatar Charity, a world-renowned organisation and has committed US$ 11.7 million for 2023 for the welfare of the Sri Lankans.
“The funds will be allocated to identified areas as per the state’s requirements,” he added. He also announced that plans are underway for the Qatar Foundation to have a education project in Sri Lanka which would help a great deal to promote education among the rural children in the island, he added.
The Minister pointed out that Qatar is home to some 115,000 Sri Lankans and its cooperation means a lot to a country like Sri Lanka.
“Thank you Qatar Charity for stepping up to support the vulnerable areas in the island,” he added.
Qatar Charity is the main charitable arm of the Qatar Government and was banned in Sri Lanka following allegations levelled by former Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara. The ban that was imposed on Qatar Charity in Sri Lanka was lifted last year.
