Tourists, investors and world leaders focused on Sri Lanka: Basil

Tuesday, 30 September 2014 01:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa stated that the attention of tourists, international investors and powerful world leaders is constantly focused on Sri Lanka in view of the peaceful environment and development of infrastructure facilities prevailing in the country.

Minister Rajapaksa, while stressing that Sri Lanka is the only country in Asia which provides its citizens with a continuous supply of electricity throughout the year, said that it could boast of modern infrastructure facilities prevailing and interest from a number of foreign investors. He also pointed out that it was the intention of the Government to see that resources available in the country were better utilised and enjoyed by local investors rather than foreign investors. The minister made these comments while participating at a ceremony held recently to declare open the SANASA Orex Trade Complex at Ekala. This complex, which has 512 stalls, was constructed for Rs. 1,200 million. “SANASA is fully equipped with all the requirements for a successful project. It has a good vision, a set of principles, a well-conceived plan and a strong membership and is supported by people who have savings, which they propose to invest in a reliable entity. Sanasa has won their confidence. We are aware that there was an era where people were reluctant to invest. That period is now over,” he said.

“There was a time when investors were misled by attractive advertisements, incentives and bigger interest rates. This situation prevails even now. The Government has taken steps to strengthen the public sector. We know it was very difficult to obtain electricity those days without backing from a third party. There was shortage of electricity. This situation has changed now. We have constructed new power plants and power generated is distributed 24 hours a day throughout the year and at a low price as well.” Minister Felix Perera, a host of provincial councillors from the Western Province and the Ja-Ela Pradeshiya Sabha, SANASA leader Dr. B.A. Kiriwandeniya and host of SANASA members were present on the event.