Colombo, March 04 (QNA) - Qatar Charity opened an office in the Republic of Sri Lanka. The opening ceremony was attended by several officials and representatives of a number of Arab embassies and international and humanitarian organizations.

Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Charity Faisal bin Rashi Alfahidh said the office's opening is within the aim of directly supervising and following-up the charity's projects in construction, development and relief fields and intensifying its efforts for the benefit of the people of Asia.

In a speech during the ceremony, Alfahidh said the charity seeks to open up to the other international organizations operating in Sri Lanka and discuss with them the possibility of entering into qualitative and strategic partnerships as well as with the donor countries, especially the United Nations agencies, in line with its policies alongside the strategy of the Sri Lankan government in sustainable development.

He added that Qatar Charity's humanitarian intervention in Sri Lanka did not begin today but started in 1993 as its projects and programs were carried out in coordination with local associations accredited in Qatar, noting that the cost of these projects were more than QR 14 million.

He added that Qatar Charity sponsors more than 1,000 people, most of whom are orphans, adding a number of development projects are being implemented at a cost of about QR 13 million, while announcing the completion of the final arrangements for the opening of five multi-service centers at a cost of more than QR 5 million.

Sri Lanka's Minister of Housing and Construction Sajith Premadasa expressed his delight at the opening of the Qatar Charity office, saying Qatar Charity is a global organization and is recognized for its credibility and quality in the planning and execution of humanitarian and charitable projects.

He also expressed his ministry's readiness to cooperate with the Qatar Charity office in Colombo in planning, marketing and implementing housing and development projects for the marginalized and poor groups in Sri Lanka.

Qatar Charity has around 28 offices spread across the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, including 4 regional offices in Turkey, Ghana, Kenya and Kyrgyzstan. (QNA)