The Wayamba University Township Development Project was officially inaugurated today, marking a significant milestone in educational collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
The project, a concessionary loan by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), is valued at USD 28 million (approximately SAR 105 million) and is aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure to serve over 5,000 students annually in the Kuliyapitiya and Makandura areas.
Speaking at the event, Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka, described the project as a “developmental achievement that embodies the depth of relations” between the two nations. He noted that Saudi Arabia views the building of universities as a foundation for a brighter future and a bridge for understanding and knowledge-sharing among people.
“The Saudi Fund for Development has contributed to financing 15 projects in Sri Lanka, amounting to over USD 425 million. These include vital initiatives in education, water, energy, health, and transport,” the Ambassador stated.
He added that the Wayamba University project reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development without imposing conditions or political agendas.
Ambassador Alkahtani also expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and Sri Lankan officials for their contributions to the project’s success.
Since its inception in 1975, the SFD has supported development in more than 90 countries, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global efforts to promote peace and progress. In Sri Lanka, its funded projects have ranged from upgrading national highways and building hospitals to enhancing water supply and energy transmission networks.
The newly opened university township is expected to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of higher education and boosting economic opportunities in the region. (Newswire)