Sri Lanka keen to lure BD investors

Sri Lanka is gradually getting back to normalcy after a prolonged economic crisis, and the country is now ready to attract investors in different sectors, representatives of a visiting business delegation told a media briefing in Dhaka on Thursday.

"We're having talks with the chambers and trade-bodies here, and they are very positive (regarding investment)," said Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Dhaka.

"The Bangladeshi businessmen have said they are holding on investment plans for a while for some issues in Sri Lanka at present. But they have also said they are ready to invest in the country."

"The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka has outlined several areas for investments," he added.

The briefing was organised to promote ties between the tourism and aviation sectors of the two countries. Its main objective was positioning Sri Lanka as a preferred tourism destination and showcasing its opportunities.

More than 80 participants from Bangladesh, representing the tourism and other corporate sectors, and 12 Sri Lankan companies took part in the business networking programme.

The national flag carrier Sri Lankan Airlines and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau organised the event in collaboration with the High Commission.

The Sri Lankan envoy also said investment flow would also promote tourism there. "If there's a confidence that comes through the investors, the tourism sector will also expand."

"We've multiple components of tourism. It can be heritage, nature, education, or sports. We have a whole range of things that the small island has to offer."

"We are also looking at expanding the radius of tourism sites. Our infrastructure is good and transportation system is intact."

"So, we have the ability to go to the next level of the tourism plan for Sri Lanka. If you're looking for a boom or jump in tourism business, we're ready to take it off," he narrated.

The Lankan high commissioner also highlighted the emergence of Bangladesh as a key target market in the South Asian region with its palpable presence.

"Bangladesh has proven its self-determination, economic development and resilience within a very limited time frame while broadening its horizons, especially in the fields of trade, investment and tourism."

"Fifty years of reflection of the two nations will undoubtedly maximise these collective potentials in the coming years. This programme is the first of many in unleashing centuries of solidarity and fraternal ties Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh," he added.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Thisum Jayasuriya said, "Bangladesh is a key source market in the South Asian region for our industry, and it has shown a positive trend in increasing mass traffic over the past two years."

"The Sri Lankan Airlines' direct air connectivity has positively encouraged development of the sector."

Manager of Sri Lankan Airlines in Bangladesh Sharuka Wickrama Adittiya said the country's aviation sector is gradually getting back to normalcy.

The airline now carries some 600 passengers from Bangladesh to Lanka per month. The aviator operates daily flights on Colombo-Dhaka route, which is an added advantage for all travellers.

He also said the authorities are planning to rationalise the present fare. The airline would endeavour to provide its best services from departure to arrival through in-flight experience, he mentioned.