Members of the Canada-Sri Lanka Business Convention visited the Board of Investment (BOI) headquarters and expressed interest in investment opportunities in Sri Lanka while making a commitment to bring potential investors to the country.
The delegation which consisted of Canadian MP Rachel Thomas and Sri Lankan businessmen living in Canada was briefed about investment opportunities in Sri Lanka during a discussion with BOI officials and other stakeholders
The delegation stated that the primary objective of their visit was to interact with the people, corporate, and industry leaders of Sri Lanka and thus explore new avenues to invest and thereby assist Sri Lanka to overcome the present economic quandary.
BOI Chairman Raja Edirisuriya said, “Your visit is indeed an encouragement to diasporas based in other countries including Australia, England, and Germany and it is high time that every one of you chips in to help Sri Lanka overcome this economic crisis.”
The BOI chief also outlined the investment opportunities in the country highlighting the opportunities available in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces such as crab farming, ornamental fisheries, agriculture, solar, and wind power generation.
He outlined the steps undertaken by the BOI to woo investors such as setting up the Investor Facilitation Centre, digitization of BOI work, etc.
Canada-Sri Lanka Business Convention’s President Kula Sellathurai said, “The economic crisis is one of the compelling factors which prompted us to come to Sri Lanka. We have the feeling that we owe to this country which nurtured us to be where we are today and hence, should give something back.
“As such, we are now looking for opportunities to invest in Sri Lanka. Some of our members of the delegation have already found interest in certain areas to invest in while others are looking for suitable options,” he said.
He also extended a warm invitation to diaspora colleagues to come and visit Sri Lanka and explore business opportunities, adding, “We are confident that Sri Lanka will rebound and become stable soon and we are thus privileged and thrilled to make our contribution toward this revival.”