Sri Lanka - 66th best country

*Fourth in Asia

*Best in South Asia

The USA based Newsweek magazine has ranked Sri Lanka as the 66th best country in a recent survey. Sri Lanka now holds a topmost place in South Asia and is getting close to the goal of becoming the ‘Wonder of Asia’.

Sri Lanka is the fourth best country in the Asian region while Malaysia is ahead of all other Asian countries and is the 37th best country.

Thailand, China and the Philippines are the other Asian countries positioned at 58th, 59th and 63rd. Quoting the World Bank assessment, the Newsweek survey said that it takes only 38 days to launch a new business in Sri Lanka.

The magazine selected 100 countries based on a survey conducted on different parameters including the levels of education and health fields, quality of life, economic dynamism and political environment.

The survey was conducted by a panel of economists and social policy experts.

Of the 100 countries, India is 78th, Bangladesh 88th and Pakistan 89th. Finland has been ranked the best country with Sweden and Switzerland dropping to second and third places.

USA ranks 11 and Germany 12. Singapore has the best economic dynamism, according to the survey. Burkino Faso came last in the 100 countries selected.

Germany leads the list of the countries with the best quality of life while Japan earned the slot with the best healthcare system.

With peace restored and security improved, many western nations including USA and UK have lifted travel restrictions to Sri Lanka. Records show that the number of tourist arrivals has been increasing each month while investments continue to flow in.