Press Releases
Sri Lankan, U.S. Representatives Discuss Investment and Business Opportunities in Post-Conflict Sri Lanka
Colombo, October 13, 2009: Sri Lankan and U.S. representatives from both the public and private sectors gathered at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo today to discuss "Investment and Business Opportunities in Post-Conflict Sri Lanka." The aim of the conference was to foster national reconciliation through economic development and employment creation. Several prominent figures from both countries addressed the audience, including Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Mike Delaney, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States Jaliya Wickramasuriya, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabral.
Ambassador Butenis summed up the hopes of many of the participants when she said, "Bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to hatch plans to enhance the bilateral economic relationship is what today's meetings were all about. But this conference is not just about making money... it's about thinking creatively about how investment and business opportunities can help foster national reconciliation on this beautiful island. After many years of struggle, Sri Lanka is now looking toward a brighter future for all its citizens - with new jobs and economic opportunities for all Sri Lankans." On Thursday representatives of both the Sri Lankan and U.S. governments will sit down at the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) talks to further economic cooperation between the two long-time trading partners.