President tells Thai business leaders :

‘Sri Lanka ideal for investment’

* Strong resilient economy

* Peaceful domestic environment

Sri Lanka has a very conducive environment for international investments and is one of the safest countries to invest in, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told a group of Thai business leaders in Bangkok on Saturday.

He said there was a pro-business policy environment in the country with a number of measures in line with the laws of the land to guarantee the safety of investments and ensure a conducive environment to carry out business activities without hindrance.

The President pointed out Sri Lanka has a peaceful domestic environment and a strong and resilient economy which has shown sustained growth.

He said this was a most opportune time for both countries to strengthen economic ties adding that this could benefit both countries.

President Rajapaksa speaking on Sri Lanka’s recent economic performances said the country’s economy grew by eight percent in 2010 and 8.3 percent in 2011, the first time it has exceeded a growth of over eight percent in two consecutive years.

This impressive growth was achieved despite most countries facing an economic recession due to macro economic issues in the west, he said.

President Rajapaksa said these achievements were possible due to the government’s efforts in defeating terrorism which plagued the country for three decades and creating an environment suitable for development.

“The strong economic performances lifted the country’s per capita income, reduced unemployment, sustained inflation at low levels, spurred infrastructure development and lifted the people’s quality of life substantially,” he added.

He said Sri Lanka has an efficient framework in all financial sectors including agriculture, industries and services and the government has launched a programme to develop physical infrastructure .

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka too was ready to help international investors, he said. The President said these policies and measures have been appreciated by many international investors who have now become partners of development in Sri Lanka.

He invited Thai business leaders to explore possibilities in Sri Lanka.

The event was also addressed by Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivaard Cabraal and BoI chairman M M C Ferdinando.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge, Foreign Secretary Karunatilake Amunugama and Sri Lankan Ambassodor to Thailand General Shantha Kottegoda were also present.