Hanif to shed Governor role, continue as AKD’s Special Envoy on FDI

Hanif Yusoof 

Business leader Hanif Yusoof has announced plans to resign as the Governor of the Western Province to better focus as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Special Envoy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Yusoof was appointed Western Province Governor in late September 2024, whilst in November last year, Hanif was also appointed as a Special Envoy for FDI.

In a statement yesterday, Yusoof said some time ago, he conveyed to the President the desire to step down from the role given the increasing challenge of balancing the responsibilities of public office as Governor, the additional responsibilities of serving as Special Envoy for FDI, and his family obligations.

Sources said the President has long felt that Hanif’s skills and ability to contribute to the nation is being limited by his role as Governor of the Western Province - where about 80% of his time is spent on administrative matters such as teacher transfers and employment issues of the Province.

“It has been a privilege to serve in public office and to contribute in whatever way I can to the progress of our nation,” Hanif added in his statement.

He said at the request of the President, he will continue to serve as Governor until a suitable successor is identified in order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

Thereafter, he would be honoured to continue serving in his existing voluntary honorary capacity as Special Envoy for FDI supporting the President’s vision by leveraging his relationships and international network to help attract investment and contribute to Sri Lanka’s national development.

“My commitment to serving our nation remains unwavering and I remain deeply appreciative of the confidence and trust placed in me by the President,” added the statement from Hanif.

As a leading figure from the private sector, who built Sri Lanka’s most successful and largest logistics company, the President has been of the view that Hanif needed to play a bigger role in nation building and that is why he entrusted him with the role of being his Special Envoy on Foreign Investment - the first time in Sri Lankan history that such a role was given. 

Analysts said the President’s decision to entrust Hanif with that role was so that he can step up to the national and international level he requires him to operate in, to represent him and to help him achieve the investment and economic growth targets that he has set. 

Hanif has been increasingly dedicating himself to that role as Special Envoy while also ensuring that his duties as Governor are being met.

The appointment as Special Envoy for FDI was to strengthen the country’s global investment engagement and support the Government’s economic revival efforts.

It was made under Article 41(1) of the Constitution, acknowledging Yusoof’s extensive experience in international investment partnerships and his longstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s private sector development.

In his new role, Yusoof was to facilitate high-level engagement with global investors and strategic partners, boost investor confidence, and help attract FDI into priority sectors.

Recently, speaking at the Indian ZeeNews and WIONews Global Innovation and Leadership Summit in Colombo, Yusoof spoke about his deep belief that India and Sri Lanka are not just neighbours, but partners in growth, in ambition, and in shaping the future of this region.

“Today, that partnership has a new economic meaning. Sri Lanka offers Indian businesses a strategic platform to invest, build, and scale into South Asia and beyond. We offer global connectivity, a strong legal framework, a rapidly improving investment climate, and an unmatched lifestyle,” Yusoof said.

“Indian business and investment will and should play a bigger role in Sri Lanka’s journey towards a more prosperous economy. And we should continue working closely together to deliver that shared prosperity,” he added.