Government assures security for Omani investor

•  Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena says incident was taint for Sri Lanka 
•  Claims of inability to ensure security among reasons for not being able to draw higher FDIs
•  Public Security Minister Tiran Alles meets Omani businessman 
• Assures full protection during his stay in Sri Lanka, swift investigation 

By Charumini de Silva

The Government has assured necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Omani businessman who was assaulted in Katana recently by a group, a top Minister claimed.

“The President’s attention too has been drawn to this incident and has directed authorities to ensure the safety of the Omani investor and his family,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.

The Omani investor and security officer of Obaidani Apparels Ltd., were physically assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals on 30 March.

It is learnt that the Oman Embassy had expressed its disappointment over not being able to investigate the attack on Omani investor to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Acknowledging that it is a taint for Sri Lanka in terms of not being able to ensure a safe and secure business environment for the investor, Gunawardena said he would bring it to the immediate notice of the Public Security Minister and Cabinet of Ministers attending the National Security Council.

“It is true that we need to assure the safety and security of the investors coming to Sri Lanka and this is one of the reasons why we haven’t been able to be successful compared to other regional countries such as China, India, Vietnam and Malaysia. We have not been able to provide them with the security, State assurance and financial assistance needed to draw foreign direct investments (FDIs),” he admitted.

Separately, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has met with the Omani businessman and assured full protection to his entire family during his stay in Sri Lanka, an unbiased swift investigation into the matter.

During the meeting, the Minister pledged to ensure the security of the Omani investor, whilst informing President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed him to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of his family.

Following the assault, the investor was ready to wrap up business operations in Sri Lanka and move his business out of the country.

However, the Public Security Ministry said that the investor informed the Minister that he will discuss with his family whether to operate this apparel factory in Katana or move it to another area to continue the business in Sri Lanka.

Earlier this week the Board of Investment (BOI) also said an impartial investigation has begun over the alleged attack of an Omani investor and his export-oriented apparel manufacturing plant. Sources said that the apparel factory in Katana was outside the Katunayake zone and the BOI is actively assisting the investor in the relocation and has facilitated the re-export of raw materials in the interim. 

“Police protection was provided. An impartial investigation is being conducted to inquire into the incident and action will be taken based on the findings,” BOI sources added. 

The Omani businessman had been on an observation visit to Sri Lanka. Over 300 Sri Lankans are employed at his apparel factory which is the sister company of a famous Omani apparel chain.