Public Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne yesterday was upbeat that the new Constitution would improve Sri Lanka’s feeble performance in attracting foreign direct investment.

The new Constitution would improve the progressive elements of Sri Lanka including democracy, transparency, good governance and adherence to law and order, which would embolden investors to give increased prominence to Sri Lanka when evaluating their investment options, the deputy minister said.

“There are people who are trying to make the new Constitution a fear-mongering process, filled with racism and ethnic issues. But the truth of the matter this that once the new Constitution is implemented it will promote investment by three or four times the current levels. It will show the world how tolerant, progressive and inclusive the Sri Lankan people are and put us in a new light,” he said.

He also pointed out this would be the first Constitution in Sri Lanka’s history made with the involvement of all people from all walks of life. He dismissed concerns of division insisting the Tamil community is not demanding a separate State and the Sri Lankan people should not be hobbled by fears fuelled by false ethnic divisions.