Foreign Minister calls diaspora investment to rebuild economy

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath says Govt. aims to make Sri Lanka a place people return to by choice - not necessity at the inaugural AGM of the Global Federation of Sri Lankan Business Councils

- CHARUMINI DE SILVA

• Acknowledges past economic hardships, but stressed that while rapid change isn't possible, Govt. is building a resilient economy with zero tolerance for corruption

• Reveals three new investment zones planned in Northern Province; around 3,000 acres of SLTDA land have been allocated for major tourism projects

• Notes some policy limitations due to ongoing IMF reforms, particularly on taxation; but promised greater policy flexibility as conditions improve

FOREIGN Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday called on the global Sri Lankan diaspora and business community to step up investments in the country, assuring that the Government is laying the groundwork for a more transparent, inclusive and investor-friendly environment.

Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Global Federation of Sri Lankan Business Councils in Colombo, Herath said the Government's long-term vision is to create the conditions necessary for overseas Sri Lankan to consider returning — not out of necessity, but by choice.