October 12, Colombo (LNW): In a high-level discussion with a delegation of American business leaders at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding foreign investments and enhancing investor confidence in the island nation.
President Dissanayake conveyed that Sri Lanka has made considerable strides in fostering a secure, predictable, and transparent environment for international investors. He highlighted that the current administration is actively dismantling legacy issues tied to investment mismanagement and opaque practices that were commonplace under past regimes. According to the President, this reset is being carried out within the framework of democratic governance and legal reform.
He elaborated that the introduction of new legislation is underway, aimed specifically at reinforcing investor protection. Among these measures is a proposed Investment Protection Act, which he described as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to build long-term trust with both existing and prospective investors.
The President also underlined that encouraging foreign direct investment is not merely a fiscal policy, but a central pillar of his broader economic vision. To that end, his administration is working to expand the range of investment opportunities across sectors, streamline bureaucratic processes, and modernise infrastructure to accommodate foreign capital.
In addressing the visiting American delegation, President Dissanayake painted a broader picture of national renewal, noting that economic reform goes hand-in-hand with social transformation. He stressed the government’s efforts to foster national unity, counter communal and religious extremism, and deliver a professional and responsive public service.
These social initiatives, he explained, are crucial for sustaining a stable investment climate in the long term. Additionally, the President noted that Sri Lanka is investing in digital transformation to overcome technological limitations and improve administrative efficiency, thus enhancing ease of doing business.
President Dissanayake reiterated that international partnerships—grounded in mutual respect and transparency—are vital to the country’s recovery and growth. He assured the delegation that his administration is fully committed to nurturing such partnerships through consistent policy and open diplomatic engagement.
