Several leading local and foreign heads of leading companies appreciated the Government’s genuine efforts to recover the country from the crisis and extended their support in rebuilding the country focusing on areas in which they could contribute to.
They made these observations during the 2nd segment of the National Law Conference 2023, organised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) which focused on sectoral views on strengthening the economy.
Addressing the gathering M. Rajaram, Partner/Chairman, K&L Gates Straits Law LLC (Singapore) said that very impressed with the talk yesterday by the President, noting the latter's frank expression of views. "I saw a dynamism that I hope becomes infectious and is carried forward to everybody. Sri Lanka is now talked about as being an extremely attractive destination for investments. I hear this talk in Singapore. I hear this talk when I travel for work to India, to the UK and the US. They suddenly become very interested because of various factors," he said.
Jai. S Pathak, Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP (Singapore) noted that despite many hiccups along Sri Lanka’s way to success, he expressed hope hope that the country’s political determination will overcome it, adding that "I would be the happiest if we could help to make true the dreams of this beautiful island and its beautiful people, a reality.”
Thulci Aluwihare, Deputy Managing Director, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd said the Govt needs to give the confidence to potential investors that the Port City Financial Centre will have very progressive regulations to transact investments within the region, calling on the President to give leadership to this effort.
"In order for initiatives to be implemented successfully it needs to be championed by the highest authority of the country; the Executive. Mr. President, we need your leadership to implement and endorse this project and implement these initiatives so that we could realize the potential of this new city," Aluwihare said.
Noting that he has confidence in the leadership and the way the country is moving and the way the economy is moving, Chairman of Prime Group Premalal Brahmanage said that as local entrepreneurs, they are willing to extend their full support the country.
"Our inflation rate is coming down; our interest rate is reducing. Import restrictions are now gradually easing thanks to the stringent and very prudent policies that have been taken by the CBSL. As local entrepreneurs, we can support our country, we can support the development of our country, and we can support the economy. We can pay our taxes and we can generate job opportunities and we can create wealth. So please do support us and rest assured as Sri Lankan entrepreneurs we have no better sentiment than giving back to our dear motherland," he added.
