SL aims to be Asia’s top FDI destination: Dr. Suriyapperuma

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday expressed confidence that Sri Lanka can become the best place for foreign direct investments (FDIs) in Asia, with the Board of Investment (BOI) stepping up efforts to improve the services to the potential investors.

The significant approval and international support from foreign governments and development agencies would serve as a catalyst for the BOI to drive better opportunities to attract more FDIs to the country.

As per a statement by the BOI released yesterday, the support would provide the BOI with a newfound opportunity to work effectively and bring tangible results to the table, which in turn, would secure the BOI’s future and further address the critics about its performance.

In what was the first meeting between Dr. Suriyapperuma and the senior officials of the BOI, Dr. Suriyapperuma noted that it is crucial for the investment promotion agency to demonstrate a substantial contribution to GDP, thereby meeting the public’s expectations as a public entity.

While acknowledging the challenges the BOI faces in collaborating with other agencies, the statement pointed out that Dr. Suriyapperuma conveyed that he trusts the agency to continue with “renewed enthusiasm”, to create a culture to cultivate a favourable reputation among foreign investors by “offering top-notch services”.

The minister is said to have re-emphasised that the new culture encapsulated in the mandate from the people needs to bring new thinking patterns, attitudes and innovations that will bring the much-needed FDI to the country, including the new government approach to demonstrate a “zero tolerance of corruption”. 

He also pointed out that the doing business ecosystem is already gaining momentum, with international acceptance and he believes that the BOI would work together to improve the current position.