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Thursday, 14 November 2013 01:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Gaming mogul and proponent of integrated resorts, Australia’s billionaire James Packer yesterday pitched Sri Lanka for the Commonwealth and rest of the globe saying it was time for the post-war nation to shine on the world stage.
In a much anticipated speech, the controversial figure given the mounting agitation against him and casinos by the Opposition and select civil society and religious groups, Packer was calm in person and collected in his thoughts. Speaking as a special guest at the first session titled ‘Sri Lanka: 21st Century Business Destination’ on Day 2 of the Commonwealth Business Forum at the Cinnamon Grand, Packer who is widely sought after globally, made a passionate pitching for Sri Lanka at the event largely attended by foreign delegates as well as local business leaders.
Noting that the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) was held in one of his favourite Australian cities, Perth, Packer recalled that it has strived to become a global hub for business and the city took the hard decisions to build targeted tourism infrastructure to lure global travellers.
“I am very happy to say, when I visit Colombo and Sri Lanka, I feel that same sense of momentum, optimism and positive energy,” he added.
Packer, who is promoting a $ 450 million integrated resort along with local partner Ravi Wijeratne, said Sri Lanka is a country that has shown great resilience, ingenuity and character over much of its history.
“It has been forced to overcome much hardship, hardship that would test the mettle of the strongest and most stable nations. But overcome it they have and now it is Sri Lanka’s time to shine on the world stage and I say deservedly so,” Packer added.
Economically, he said, Sri Lanka has come a long way in a short timeframe. “It was only a few years back that the country was stricken by conflict, but now Sri Lanka’s economy is growing strongly, taking advantage of its great strengths and on a pathway to fulfil its great potential,” he said.
“I have always believed the greatest test of any nation or government; is how they provide economically for their citizens. Economic development is one of the key building blocks of life,” Packer said adding: “On this test, Sri Lanka and its government led by President Rajapaksa are delivering strongly. In all my meetings with the government authorities, they have stressed that the employment and living standards of their citizens is their number one goal and they are working assiduously towards achieving this ambition through economic participation.
“I believe Sri Lanka because of this good work, combined with its central location, natural beauty, unique culture and educated workforce has all the ingredients and is poised for great success,” Packer said.
He also said Sri Lanka is now poised to take the international stage as one of the world’s most unique and exciting global destinations and that the government is wisely investing in its people, giving them the opportunity to participate in an emerging economy.
“For business, these improvements and Sri Lanka’s natural strengths make the country an appealing place to do business in. As a company, we are excited about the opportunity to invest,” Packer said.
“Sri Lanka is a modern economy, growing strongly with a very professional approach to business and foreign investment. For all these reasons, I believe it is Sri Lanka’s time to shine in Asia and I urge you all to consider this great country and these great people as a destination for your business,” Australia’s third richest citizen told the Commonwealth Business Forum.
