Foreign investments rose by 64% from 2005 – Deputy Minister

Priyanka KURUGALA

During the period of President Mahinda Rajapaksa from 2006 to 2012 foreign investments in the country rose by 64 present.

Total foreign investments during this period was US Dollars 5026 million, Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said.

The Minister was addressing a press conference at the Ministry premisses in the World Trade Center yesterday.

“Turkey, Korea and Britain will commence new air services will commence new air services in 2013. These services will center around the Hambantota Air Port,” he said.

“Hotels will be established countrywide with 15,377 additional rooms. These programmes are among three major projects lined up,” he said.

Further, the Minister said Sri Lanka was able to welcome its one millionth tourist to the country at 9.45 pm December 30.

The Minister said that the couple is doing their business in Italy. Sri Lanka provided them five days tourism facilities and also free up and down tickets to mark the occasion.