Sri Lankan Ambassador H E Sithra Khan Azard
DOHA: Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar H E Sithra Khan Azard, has expressed deep appreciation to Qatar’s leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Sri Lankan community in the country during the ongoing tensions in the Gulf region.
In a statement yesterday, the ambassador conveyed the gratitude of the Government of Sri Lanka to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Government of Qatar for the comprehensive measures taken to protect approximately 140,000 Sri Lankan nationals residing in the country.
Ambassador Azard highlighted a recent telephone conversation between Sri Lanka’s President and the H H the Amir, describing it as a strong affirmation of the enduring bilateral relations and solidarity between the two nations. She noted that Qatar’s commitment to the welfare of Sri Lankan expatriates reflects its longstanding humanitarian values and deep-rooted friendship with Sri Lanka.
Commending Qatar’s security and healthcare sectors, Ambassador Azard praised the vigilance of the country’s security forces in maintaining safety since the onset of the regional conflict.
“The competent security forces of Qatar must be commended for the diligence in ensuring the safety of all people in Qatar since the beginning of the conflict,” she said.
Ambassador Azard, also acknowledged the efforts of Qatar’s health sector in providing prompt and high-quality care to two Sri Lankan nationals who sustained minor injuries. The statement further underscored assurances provided by Qatari authorities regarding the availability of essential supplies, including food and medicine, which have helped reassure the expatriate community.
Special mention was made of Qatar Airways for its exceptional support to nearly 8,000 stranded passengers, including Sri Lankan nationals who were en-route to different destinations. The ambassador described the airline’s efforts in assisting affected travellers as outstanding. She confirmed that coordinated measures have enabled the resumption of flights between Colombo and Qatar, with nearly 800 Sri Lankans already travelling home.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Doha has been operating a 24-hour emergency assistance service since the beginning of the crisis, working closely with Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Qatar Airways to provide essential assistance to support its nationals.
The ambassador also commended the Sri Lankan community in Qatar for their cooperation and adherence to official guidance, urging them to continue following instructions issued by local authorities.
While noting that the situation in the Gulf has had repercussions in Sri Lanka, the ambassador reiterated her country’s call for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution.
“While the impact of this situation in the region is also felt back in our country, Sri Lanka continues to request all parties to de-escalate and return to negotiations and diplomacy to find a peaceful resolution,” she said.
She concluded by reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Qatar in promoting regional peace and stability, and extended Eid greetings to the leadership and people of Qatar.
“Sri Lanka looks forward to continuing to work closely with the esteemed Government of Qatar to bring forth peace and security to Qatar and to the region,” said Ambassador Azard.
“Let me take this opportunity to wish the Government and everyone in Qatar Eid Mubarak.”
