List of best countries for investment:

Lanka on top, says Basil

Sri Lanka has become one of the best countries for investment since it can now boast of a peaceful environment and a strong political stabilisation after the cessation of hostilities which prevailed for over 30 years, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

Sri Lanka is one country in South Asia which provides electricity round the clock in 365 days of the year, he said.

"This enables factories to run without hindrance every hour and every day of the year," the minister said.

Minister Rajapaksa said this at a meeting with a delegation of South Korean trade representatives headed by Jun Tek Shin on a visit to Sri Lanka to explore investment opportunities.

The minister said Sri Lanka's natural geography and environment are most suitable for investment purposes and most comprehensive rules and regulations with regard to the environment are in force.

"Sri Lanka also has a devoted and skilled labour force," he said.

Minister Rajapaksa said several high level investment projects are being implemented by South Korea and investment opportunities are available in the fields such as electricity, motor mechanism, fashion, medicine, ship repair etc.

He said there is an international demand for apparels produced in Sri Lanka, which are mostly exported to Europe, Asia and Japan.

Minister Rajapaksa said there are investment opportunities in this field as well. He drew the attention of the Korean delegation to the construction of trade complexes and convention centres for tourists.