Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath says Sri Lanka is positioning itself as an international trade hub for investors following major reforms introduced by the current government.
Speaking during an interview with Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Chairman Sunjoy Joshi on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, the Minister said a free and fair investment environment has been created for both local and foreign investors.
The interview was conducted under the theme “Sri Lanka Eyes Global Investments Following Economic Crisis.”
Minister Herath said the government’s zero tolerance policy on corruption, along with new economic reforms, has significantly improved investor confidence in the country.
He noted that the government has introduced a simple and transparent tax system, a single-window mechanism for investors and a new investment protection bill aimed at strengthening the investment climate.
“The Government is introducing a new investment protection bill, which has already been submitted to the relevant authorities. We have also introduced a single-window system and a transparent tariff structure to make it easier for investors to operate in Sri Lanka,” he said.
According to the Minister, improved governance and the elimination of bribery and corruption have also helped the government record higher revenue from the Customs, Excise and Inland Revenue Departments.
Herath also highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location, noting that the country lies close to major East–West international shipping routes, making it attractive for global trade and logistics.
He said Sri Lanka’s key ports — Colombo, Hambantota and the natural harbour in Trincomalee — offer strong potential to develop the country as a major logistics and maritime hub.
The Minister also noted that regional cooperation will be important in addressing emerging global security and economic challenges.
He said Sri Lanka is working closely with regional organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to strengthen economic and security collaboration.
According to Herath, leveraging regional partnerships and Sri Lanka’s strategic location will help attract international investors and logistics operators while supporting the country’s long-term economic recovery.