It is a well-known fact that false news and rumours find their way to people faster than real news does. In recent times worldwide concern has risen over false or “fake news,” which is fabricated because of its potential to shape public opinion.
Saudi Arabia has been at the receiving end of the proliferation of fake news and rumours against it in some mainstream media and social media. It is a well-known fact that Saudi Arabia’s enemies are behind such moves in order to scuttle the prevailing peace, the booming economy and social reforms.
Ever since Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom in July 1974, the two countries have maintained excellent relations.
The relationship is significant because Saudi is home to nearly 500,000 Sri Lankans (1 of Lanka’s migrant workers) and holy land for Muslims. Lankan Muslims regularly come for annual Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.
With Saudi economy booming Lankans can expect more lucrative employment opportunities in the Kingdom. Trade and tourism between the two countries have blossomed. Around 38,000 Saudis visited Sri Lanka in 2017.
The Kingdom has been one of Sri Lanka’s biggest supporters in the international stage. It has backed Lanka unconditionally at key forums such as the UN, UNHRC and others. Sri Lanka has openly stated support to Saudi Vision 2030 under the wise leadership of Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Salman and initiated by Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Social economic reforms
Sri Lanka - Saudi Arabia recently signed an agreement on “domestic worker recruitment” to streamline the process and Saudi investors are showing more interest in the island now. The Kingdom has financed several projects in the island such as construction of a bridge linking Trincomalee with Kinniya, Trincomalee-Batticaloa highway expansion, etc. Even in early 1980s, SR 99.9 million in credit was extended water supply and sewage project, SR 48.1 million for Mahaweli Ganga Development project etc. This support is expected to grow under the able guidance of new Saudi Ambassador to Lanka Abdulnaser H. Al Harthi, a career diplomat with a wide knowledge in foreign affairs.
Numerous fake news are being spread targeting Saudi Arabia’s efforts for regional and world peace, social economic reforms. To Page 13
Recently fake news producers spread the word crown prince has been killed. Putting an end to such wild rumours the crown prince appeared in public at the opening of the Football World Cup in Moscow.
Another is Israel and its intelligence agency Mossad has close ties with Saudi. The two countries have no official diplomatic relations and Saudi intelligence is fully capable of handling its affairs.
Another is that Saudi supports terrorism. Saudi is working hard to establish regional peace and it too is a victim of terrorism. Saudi is a safe haven to thousands fleeing from conflicts in Yemen, Syria etc. and a supporter of Palestine cause.
Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia is No. 2 among all global country stock market ETFs in 2018, turning in performance near 20 percent. Major reforms are being taken seriously by investors, and they are coming in numbers.
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s Vision for the future a blueprint, which expresses the country’s long-term goals and expectations and reflects the country’s strengths and capabilities which is initiated by the Crown Prince.
The vision 2030 is built on three main pillars as stated in the 2030 vision official website. They protect the country’s status as the heart of the Arab and Islamic world, the determination to become a global investment powerhouse and transforming the country’s unique strategic location into a global hub connecting three continents, Asia, Europe and Africa.
The Crown Prince says all this comes from the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who ordered to plan for a future that fulfills Saudi Arabian people’s ambitions and aspirations.
(The writer is Co-Chairman of National
Program for Ethnic Harmony)
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