Malaysia to assist Sri Lanka’s businesses

Malaysian investors remain confident and bullish towards Sri Lanka’s economy, said Tan Yang Thai, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, chief guest at the Business Council investment forum held at the Hotel Galadari, Colombo this week on the topic of  “Sri Lanka’s Economic Direction 2020 and Beyond.”
“It is important for us to address Sri Lanka’s future economic directions and how we can contribute to the country’s economy that will move forward in a direction that will prosper everyone,” he said. 
The high commissioner said during the past years many investors have visited Sri Lanka to explore business and investment opportunities in various sectors. Many Malaysian businessmen will visit Sri Lanka to take advantage of the opportunities available in the country. 
“The new government has put in place new measures such as tax reliefs which I believe is the right move that will encourage existing businesses to flourish and provide for job opportunities for people. The government too is serious in attracting foreign and local investments for the nation development,” he said. 
A US-based report indicates that tourism will drive economic recovery by 2020 and GDP is projected at 3.4 per cent, the positive development that Sri Lanka needs today. Malaysia and Sri Lanka have lot of potential to be explored such as education and tourism. “There are about 2000 students studying in Malaysis and I invite Sri Lankan business to invest in Malaysia the gateway to ASEAN that offers huge market opportunities. We at the Malaysian High commission will offer all assistance to facilitate business opportunities for Sri Lanka and Malaysians,” he said.
Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, from the Viyathmaga organisation, making the keynote address, said that that governments since independence did not have consistent policies and the country fell into abyss during the 30 year war with the LTTE. It was during the period that other countries in the region developed and prospered. The previous government did not have a consistent economic policy during its whole period. They had more than 10 economic policies that did not materialize. The present government is focused on poverty alleviation, he added. President of the Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council Keerthi Jayasuriya made the opening speech. (JJ)