By: Staff Writer
March 28, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is prioritizing policy consistency and transparency to create a conducive environment for long-term investments while actively combating corruption, according to Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma.
Speaking at an investment forum organized by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Suriyapperuma emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining stable regulations, policies, and tax structures.
He highlighted that businesses plan their financial strategies over the medium to long term, and sudden changes in government policies or tax regimes could disrupt investment feasibility.
“The reason behind our consistent policy approach in the budget is to ensure investors can plan without uncertainty,” he stated.
The new administration has also continued the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program with necessary adjustments to support economic stability.
At the forum, which was attended by over 100 foreign investors, fund managers, representatives from listed companies, and capital market stakeholders, the government reinforced its message that now is the opportune time to invest in Sri Lanka.
Following the restoration of economic stability, the country is focusing on sustainable growth, free from corruption.
Deputy Minister Suriyapperuma underlined the economic revival and the government’s vision to expand production and facilitate business growth.
He pointed to the 2025 Budget and the ongoing negotiations with the IMF to support vulnerable communities and businesses as key indicators of progress.
Highlighting a shift in governance, he said, “The people have chosen a new path under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the National People’s Power (NPP) government.
We are committed to zero tolerance for corruption. Investors no longer need to navigate political bureaucracy or offer bribes. They can directly engage with designated authorities and initiate their ventures transparently.”
The Deputy Minister further elaborated on the positive trajectory of Sri Lanka’s economic landscape, including the recovery of the stock market and tourism sector.
He encouraged foreign investors to leverage this momentum and explore opportunities beyond Colombo by engaging with rural communities to understand untapped potential.
Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando reaffirmed the government’s focus on fostering capital formation and value generation, with exports and investments being top priorities.
He reiterated that a corruption-free environment would facilitate business growth and reduce the gap between savings and investments.
Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe reassured investors that Sri Lanka is now more stable and predictable compared to the past two years.
Deloitte Sri Lanka and Maldives Head of Strategy, Risk, and Transactions, Ruvini Fernando, presented insights on high-potential investment sectors in Sri Lanka, further reinforcing the country’s appeal as an attractive investment destination.
With a clear economic vision, policy stability, and a commitment to eliminating corruption, Sri Lanka is actively positioning itself as a premier destination for foreign investments.
