September 24, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is seeking to broaden its economic relationship with Qatar, with investment, development cooperation and employment opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan workers featuring prominently during Deputy Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Minister Arun Hemachandra’s recent visit to Doha.
During the official visit, Hemachandra held talks with senior representatives of the Qatar Chamber and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), while also meeting members of the Sri Lankan community to hear their concerns and discuss developments in Sri Lanka.
At the Qatar Chamber, the Deputy Minister met First Vice Chairman Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar to explore ways of increasing bilateral trade, attracting investment and creating stronger connections between businesses in the two countries.
Hemachandra outlined several sectors in Sri Lanka that could offer opportunities to Qatari investors, including Colombo Port City, property development and other emerging areas of the economy. Discussions also covered business-to-business cooperation and possible programmes to strengthen the capabilities of entrepreneurs and private-sector organisations.
The Deputy Minister provided an overview of the economic reforms being implemented under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, including measures aimed at strengthening public finances, maintaining economic stability and improving state institutions.
He said the reforms were intended to provide businesses and investors with a more predictable operating environment while encouraging sustainable economic expansion and greater confidence in Sri Lanka’s investment landscape.
Sri Lanka’s recent sovereign credit rating upgrade by Fitch Ratings was also highlighted during the discussions. Hemachandra pointed to the upgrade to ‘B-‘ with a Stable Outlook as an indication of progress in areas including macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation and the country’s external position.
Attention was also drawn to Sri Lanka Expo 2027, with the Deputy Minister encouraging greater engagement between Qatari companies and Sri Lankan exporters, entrepreneurs and business associations.
The discussions sought to identify practical ways in which private-sector links could be expanded, with the two sides examining how Sri Lanka’s economic reforms and emerging investment opportunities could translate into longer-term commercial partnerships.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar Sithara Khan also participated in the Qatar Chamber meeting.
Hemachandra subsequently met Deputy Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development Abdullah Alfehani to discuss the future of development cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for assistance extended by the QFFD during periods of difficulty, as well as its contributions to development programmes in the country.
Support provided in sectors such as healthcare, education and housing was discussed, while both sides reviewed the development priorities of the QFFD and possible areas for future cooperation.
Hemachandra said Sri Lanka was interested in building on its existing relationship with the fund and identifying projects through which Qatar’s development assistance could contribute to the country’s longer-term development goals.
The visit also included an engagement with Sri Lankans living and working in Qatar. Hemachandra met members of the community at a gathering organised by Ethera Api at the Dusit D2 hotel in Doha.
The meeting provided an opportunity for migrant workers and other members of the Sri Lankan community to raise concerns directly with the Deputy Minister. Discussions included worker welfare, protection mechanisms, recruitment practices and the quality of services available to Sri Lankans employed overseas.
The possibility of creating more opportunities for skilled Sri Lankan workers in Qatar and other overseas markets was also discussed, reflecting the Government’s efforts to expand employment options beyond traditional sectors.
Hemachandra also outlined developments since President Dissanayake took office in September 2024, discussing the reforms undertaken so far and the Government’s priorities for the coming period.
He acknowledged the continuing contribution of the Sri Lankan diaspora, saying that people living abroad remained closely connected to the country and continued to take an interest in its economic and social progress.
The Doha engagements formed part of Sri Lanka’s broader effort to strengthen relations with Qatar across several fronts, bringing together investment promotion, trade, development assistance and the interests of Sri Lankan migrant workers as areas for deeper bilateral cooperation.
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