'SL, compelling destination for investment'

Sri Lanka today represents one of the most compelling destinations for investment in the Commonwealth, said Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr. Chris Nonis.

He was addressing the reception organized by the High Commission in partnership with the Commonwealth Business Council under the theme, Expanding Pan-Commonwealth Trade, to discuss opportunities which will ensue during the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting, to be held in Sri Lanka in 2013.

The reception was attended by Commonwealth High Commissions in London, members of the Commonwealth Business Council, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the British business community and other Commonwealth organizations.

The High Commissioner said Sri Lanka achieved political stability which ensures consistency in policy. The post-conflict era has ushered in an extremely conducive macroeconomic environment and there is concomitant progress in developing the infrastructure of the country, particularly in the previously conflict-affected areas, he said.

Moreover, Sri Lanka is embarked on a comprehensive reconciliation programme, as it builds a pluralistic and inclusive society, in which all our communities can reap the dividends of peace, he stressed.

The underlying policy of pro-poor growth, and growth with equity as outlined in the Mahinda Chintana, aims to bring the dividends of peace to all sectors of the country, and make that peace a durable one, he said emphasizing that with the end of the autocracy of terrorism, people throughout Sri Lanka are now experiencing democracy and development, the twin pillars of Commonwealth values.

The High Commissioner also referred to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's participation at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Perth, Australia, which brings together over 1,200 business leaders from the 54 Commonwealth countries.

He said this will present the opportunity to highlight and articulate the very real progress that is being made in the country in the post-conflict era.

Pan-Commonwealth trade and investment also plays a substantial role in stimulating rural development and in this context it is most opportune that Sri Lanka will be hosting the CHOGM in 2013, he said. "International fora such as these which will serve to stimulate regional development, and further contribute towards Sri Lanka making that transition from developing to developed nation, and furthermore will provide opportunities for all Commonwealth Countries and Communities to engage with Sri Lanka and join in this endeavor.

In preparation for CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka, the Commonwealth Business Council launched the publication 'Sri Lanka Investment Guide', which highlights the myriad of opportunities for investment in Sri Lanka by all other Commonwealth countries.