With Britain’s position in the world uncertain, as it grapples with the European Union for a fruitful exit, there was genuine interest from prospective investors and business concerns, which would have to scour the globe for new trade and investment opportunities.

The series of questions at both meetings showed there is keen interest. But how it will play out would also depend on political stability and transparency in business dealings. “The important changes that the Megapolis and Western Development projects will bring in the coming years will make the country the financial and technological hub in the South Asian region,” Minister Ranawaka said.

Minister Ranawaka said that Sri Lanka will become a maritime hub, as it was in historical times, when the new infrastructure developments come into play.
He said Sri Lanka was conveniently located in the middle of the Indian Ocean and close to international sea lanes that carry goods and vital material like petroleum to energy starved nations of the eastern Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

Minister Champika Ranawaka, who was introduced by acting High Commissioner Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, as “a visionary minister”, said how the country will be transformed by the new developments which will cover many areas, from modern transport to a financial city, would greatly benefit foreign investors. He emphasised the advantages that Colombo Port City, one of the key new projects, would bring

Ranil Jayawardana, MP and Prime Minister Theresa May’s Trade envoy to Sri Lanka, stressed the importance of Sri Lanka’s skilled workforce and the wide use of the English language as distinct advantages foreign investors would have, before he dashed off to parliament to participate in a discussion on Brexit.