Investment - centred Budget

Shirajiv Sirimane

BUDGET: The forthcoming 2007 Budget would mainly focus on attracting more investors and keep the investment momentum going.

Speaking at American Chamber luncheon in Colombo yesterday Governor Central Bank, Ajith N. Cabraal said foreign direct investments to the country hit a record high last year with investments passing the US $ 234 million last year.

During the first six months of this year the country has already surpassed the amount and this is a positive sentiment.

He said that the Budget would also focus on assisting to continue with the Mahinda Chintana, which was introduced to the country last year. This includes major infrastructure development projects.

The Governor also said that the Budget would also focus to narrow the deficit.

Speaking further he said that authorities are not doing enough to educated the public on saving fuel. "Serious of measures are being introduced in other countries while in Sri Lanka such schemes have not come into effect," he said.

He also said that one year ago financial experts said that Sri Lanka would not be able to achieve 8 percent economic growth. "Sri Lanka achieved 8.1 percent growth in the first quarter and this trend would continue. This is very commendable," he said.