Sri Lanka has it all, says Commonwealth Biz Council Chief

Wednesday, 13 November 2013 00:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Commonwealth Business Council Chairman Dr. Mohan Kaul yesterday confessed at the biggest-ever business forum of the grouping that “Sri Lanka really does have it all” for foreign investors and to boost socioeconomic growth for its people.

“I am constantly astounded by the progress of Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict. Sri Lanka is the vanguard of development in the continent. This is manifested by the fact that a foreign bank has identified Sri Lanka as the second fastest growing in Asian region. Sri Lanka really does have it all,” Kaul told a packed inauguration of the three-day Commonwealth Business Forum yesterday at the Cinnamon Grand. With nearly 1,500 participants including over 650 from overseas, the Business Forum in Colombo was described as the biggest ever in its history since 1997. During his address, Dr. Kaul also told the Forum – Chief Guest of which was President Mahinda Rajapaksa – that economic development and democracy must be the combined thrust of any nation. He also added that the private sector must be empowered for nations to achieve sustainable economic development. “I am confident that the Commonwealth Business Forum and the CHOGM 2013 in Sri Lanka will make a real and lasting impact on Sri Lanka towards achieving higher and equitable economic growth and a stronger Commonwealth,” Dr. Kaul added.