CHOGM 2013 will woo new investments

by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) would be an ideal opportunity for Sri Lanka to project its image globally and attract new investments.

CHOGM will pave the way to show the world how Sri Lanka treats all communities equally without any discrimination. It will also help develop the economy and attract new investors, the Premier told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

“We have invited not only Commonwealth countries, but also other countries to make investments in Sri Lanka. Discussions have also been held with Chinese Leaders. They were requested to send high-profile investors to launch business ventures in Sri Lanka”, he said.

Following the Government’s open invitation, a large number of foreign investors has already expressed willingness to visit Sri Lanka during CHOGM and discuss investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.”

Investors visiting the country would see Sri Lanka as an ideal location for investments. Sri Lanka as the host country of CHOGM could also increase the number of tourist arrivals and promote the tourism industry.

Therefore, CHOGM would bring many socio-economic benefits to the country, he said.

He said some Commonwealth countries had attempted to prevent CHOGM being held in Sri Lanka. However, President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his overseas visits and the Government through its diplomatic missions could create a conducive environment to hold CHOGM in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister said Commonwealth delegates could tour the North and other parts of the country and see for themselves how Sri Lanka treats all communities equally irrespective of caste or religious differences. They could also witness the significant transformation in the country after the end of terrorism.