Opportunities aplenty for investors - President

by Surekha GALAGODA

Sri Lanka’s military success is known globally but the manner in which we faced the global economic crisis or the global food crisis while battling terrorism has not been given much publicity. The world business community is now acknowledging and appreciating this success, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum on Friday.

The President said that this was proved when Sri Lanka issued a US $ 500 million sovereign bond which was oversubscribed over 13 times. Since our economic success has been hailed many investors are slowly but steadily continuing to invest in our stock market, making it the best performing stock market in the world.

Indian Film Director and actor Anupam Kher, Chairman MAS Holdings Mahesh Amalean and CEO Cargills Ceylon Ranjit Page with their awards with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Minister Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and Deputy Minister Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena look on. Pic. Chaminda Hittatiya

Hence leading international organisations and media institutions have named Sri Lanka as the best place to visit. Now we have extended our hand of friendship and afforded an opportunity to all nationalities and communities, while we are well on our way to bring about a true reconciliation within our communities and extensive economic empowerment among our people, said the President.

He said that there is undue pressure still being exerted on Sri Lanka by certain organisations that supported the LTTE. “You are well aware of these organisations. We strongly believe that to usher in permanent peace there must be development.

The sincerity of our Government has been its delivery and not its promises. The Government has been focusing on providing meaningful sustenance for former LTTE soldiers as well as the resettlement of the IDPs, which is far superior to any such exercise in the world.

In addition the Government is targeting economic development to reach every citizen in the country. New areas and sectors that have opened since the end of conflict, offer new opportunities.

The infrastructure is being developed in every part of the country in areas such as roads, ports, airports, telecom and power.

Investors will find plenty of opportunities for investment in Sri Lanka be it in the sector of infrastructure, agri-business, manufacturing or services.

“Our country offers a rare package of skills, capacity, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Our policy is vibrant, our package is enticing and exciting, and you would do well to join us in our forward march”, said the President. Indian MP Dr Shashi Tharoor said that India and Sri Lanka have a good understanding on major issues while the two countries have shown the capacity to rise above the challenges of terrorism and extremism faced by the region or the daily challenges of hunger, unemployment, disease and climate change.

Dr Tharoor said that Sri Lanka is in the process of healing wounds after the 30-year conflict and India will continue to support the resettlement of IDPs. Dr Tharoor said that India and Sri Lanka must look to the future and work together to improve the lives of its people. Leader FICCI delegation and Chairperson/Managing Director The Lalit Suri Group Jyotsna Suri said that India and Sri Lanka are two vibrant economies in South Asia. Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown but there is huge potential to enhance it further. She said that there is much potential in tourism, food processing, IT and knowledge based services as well as the SME sector which will help generate employment as well. In the tourism sector there can be a exchange in Buddhism and the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka. The FICCI IIFA Global Business Forum over the years has been a dynamic think tank that has grown in stature.

The Global Business Forum was held as a part of the IIFA celebrations. The highlights of the business forum were the release of the White paper on Indo-Sri Lanka economic relations and the presentation of CNBC IIFA global leadership awards to three eminent personalities.