In the presence of His Excellency Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani, a number of scholars, Heads of Islamic Colleges, Islamic Associations, and officials from the Government Departments, the Embassy concluded the first knowledge-based foundational course. The course was held from 14th to 15th May 2025 in Colombo, with the support and sponsorship of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Religious and Cultures Affairs of Sri Lanka, represented by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, and under the supervision of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Colombo.
His Excellency Ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Alkahtani on his speech during this event said,
“On this blessed occasion, and at the conclusion of the First Foundational knowledge based Course held in the Republic of Sri Lanka, with the support and sponsorship of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Religions and Cultures Affairs of Sri Lanka represented by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, and under the supervision of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Sri Lanka.
I am pleased to extend my highest expressions of gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz for their care and sponsorship in service of Islam and Muslims, and for their generous support of dawah and guidance programs throughout the world.
I also extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Hon. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, for his kind directions which had a profound impact on organizing this course and achieving its academic and intellectual objectives, reflecting the Kingdom’s message in spreading moderation and promoting peaceful coexistence among peoples.
I also must thank the Department of Muslim Riligious and Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka for their constructive cooperation and facilitation of this course, which had a positive effect on its success.
Thanks are also extended to Sheikh Muhammad bin Sulaiman Al-Buriah, Sheikh Muhammad bin Hassan Al-Shahri, and the working team of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance for their efforts and beneficial knowledge they provided.
Finally, I thank the honorable attendees including distinguished scholars, heads of Islamic colleges, Islamic associations and centers, preachers, students and everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this course. I pray almighty Allah to bless these efforts, to reward everyone, and to maintain security and stability for our two friendly countries, and harmony and cooperation among our peoples in what pleases Allah, Hon.Ambassador Said.
The opening session of the seminar was addressed by Muhammad bin Sulaiman Al Buraih, Head of the Riyadh Branch of the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, and Muhammad bint Hassan Al-Sehri, who delivered a keynote speech at the closing ceremony.
The events, which took place over two days and four sessions, were held at the auditorium of the Ministry of Sports on Wednesday (14) and two more sessions at the Tower Hall on Thursday (15). The event was attended by the Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs, M.S.M. Nawaz, senior officials of the department, representatives of the All Ceylon Jamiatul Ulama, representatives of the Colombo District Mosque federation and representatives of the Colombo Northern Regional Arabic College.
More than 2000 Ulema, intellectuals, high-ranking government officials, Arabic College lecturers and Ustads, high-ranking students and journalists participated in the event and benefited from it.
At the final day of the event, Muhammad bint Hassan Al-Sehri, who delivered a special speech, was honored by the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs with a memento.
Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs expressed its gratitude to the King of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government for this event, which was held for the first time in history under the full sponsorship of the Saudi Arabian government.
