Sri Lanka emerging as trading and investment partner - US Envoy

Philip Fernando

Sri Lanka is emerging as a major trade and investment Partner with the world, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya said.

“Be it trade, investment or tourism - think Sri Lanka,” he said. The Ambassador’s message was read out by Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, who addressed an alumni meeting of London School in Economics in Washington.

The event, jointly organised by the Washington Chapter of the American Friends of the London School of Economics (AFLSE), London School of Economics-Global Real Estate Group (LSE-GREG) and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. on October 14 attracted 50 members from the AFLSE and the LSE-GREG, representing the US Congress, banking, information, communication technology, accounting and real estate.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya stated that Sri Lanka, with its market-oriented economy, had emerged promising trading and investment partner for foreign entrepreneurs. He also said Sri Lanka holds a vast potential to promote eco-tourism.

The Ambassador said the United States and Sri Lanka would continue to remain strong allies, supporting each other in many fronts such as freedom and democracy, poverty alleviation, terrorism and environment. He appreciated the spirit of solidarity demonstrated by the United States with its decision to ban the LTTE in 1997 and its front organisation, TRO last year.

Minister Amunugama highlighted the steps being taken by the Sri Lankan Government to restore civil administration in the Eastern Province and improve the livelihood of its people.

He said the Government would never give up its efforts in finding a political solution for the moderate thinking Tamils, while responding militarily to the ruthless terrorism professed by the LTTE. The Minister presented the Sri Lanka’s perspective of the current global financial crisis and its impact on the island’s economy.

Sri Lanka Representative of the LSE-GREG Asanka Pathiraja and Minister (Commercial) of the Sri Lankan Embassy Nimal Karunatilake made a detailed presentation on the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka’s real estate and infrastructure sectors.