‘Win for all’ future for SL, says Sujeewa

By Charumini de Silva

The Government on Friday said a solid foundation has been laid, backed by long-term good governance, democracy, accountability and transparency during the past one and half years to create a ‘win for all’ development strategy as the way forward.

“We took one whole year with a minority Government to put things in order and get the macro picture right. We have set a strong foundation not just for a win-win situation, but for an all win situation where the Government, companies, environment, culture and all stakeholders would have a strong nation,” International Trade State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe said at a press briefing held to announce the sponsors of World Export Development Forum (WEDF) 2016 at the Export Development Board (EDB).

The Minister reiterated that the Government was negotiating with China, India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia for free trade agreements, to make Sri Lanka the gateway for South Asia.

“We hope to sign these agreements from the middle of next year and with that we hope all eyes will be on Sri Lanka,” he added.

Commenting on the Brexit he pointed out that it is temporary adding that they have appointed a special committee to monitor on the developments and impact of Brexit as 40% of Sri Lanka’s exports are going to the UK.

Senasinghe also said that the Government was working on reducing the red tapes and bottlenecks to create a conducive business environment in the country to attract sizeable FDIs in the coming years.

He added that the Hambantota Port and Airport will be developed in a different approach with the assistance of the Chinese Government to make them profitable ventures.

The Minister noted that Indian, Chinese and Pakistan investors have already committed themselves to investments in the Hambantota industrial zone for oil and gas refinery, cement, sugar and many other industries.

“These are all positive indications and with the successful conclusion of the WEDF 2016 many more significant investments would follow,” Senasinghe said confidently.

Pic by Gitika Talukdar