The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), in partnership with the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has inaugurated the new Faculty of Medicine at Sabaragamuwa University, marking a significant addition to the long-standing development cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, SFD Deputy Chief Executive Officer Eng. Faisal Al-Kahtani, senior Sri Lankan government officials, university representatives and officials from the Saudi Fund for Development.
Developed with financing of approximately US$50 million from the SFD, the Faculty of Medicine aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s medical education capabilities and expand access to advanced healthcare training. The new facility has been equipped with modern infrastructure, including specialised medical laboratories, para-clinical teaching facilities and a dedicated library, creating an enhanced learning environment for future healthcare professionals.
The project is expected to contribute to the development of Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector by increasing opportunities for medical education, supporting the training of qualified doctors and strengthening the country’s capacity to meet growing healthcare needs.
The inauguration reflects decades of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka through the Saudi Fund for Development. Since 1981, the SFD has supported development initiatives across key sectors, including education, healthcare, water resources, transportation and energy.
Through development loans supporting 12 projects, the fund has provided approximately US$422.7 million in financing to Sri Lanka, contributing to the country’s social and economic progress and supporting projects that improve public services and infrastructure.
