QRCS discusses humanitarian endeavours in Sri Lanka

DOHA: Ali bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), has met with Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry & Commerce of Sri Lanka to discuss joint efforts to enhance services for poor local communities, in cooperation with Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.
The meeting was attended by Adel Al Baker, Director, QRCS President’s Office, Dr Fawzi Oussedik, Head of International Relations, and Said Tijani, Head, Asia Office.
Al Hammadi welcomed the notable guest, who commended QRCS’s effective work in the relief and development of many countries, including Sri Lanka. He also highlighted the organization’s contributions to humanitarian diplomacy through the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent’s (ICIC) Islamic Forum for International Humanitarian Law (IFIHL).
Bathiudeen proposed a number of projects to support poor school and university students in Sri Lanka, in cooperation with the Organization for Habitation and Resources Development (OHRD).
Al Hammadi emphasized his appreciation of the partnership with Sri Lank Red Cross. “We have made remarkable achievements in Sri Lank. Recently, we have started to dig 321 water wells to provide drinking water for underserved communities,” said the Secretary-General.
He promised to consider the proposed projects and raise the necessary funds for meeting the needs of students and vulnerable people in Sri Lanka. “Our strategy is centered around establishing peace and promoting a culture of coexistence, in conformity with the noble Islamic teachings,” he added.
Since 2014, QRCS has conducted several projects to improve the living conditions in Sri Lanka. These include digging water wells and building housing units, shops, schools, mosques, and medical centres.
These services reached out to a total of 13,100 beneficiaries, at a cost of QR 3.5 million, collected mainly from the donations of benevolent Qataris.