State Minister emphasises close ties with neighbouring countries to attract investments

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana  

By Kalani Kumarasinghe  

State Minister of Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya said Sri Lanka will maintain close ties with its neighbours, adding that regional co-operation is essential to attract investment to 
the country.  

The minister expressed these views addressing the gathering of senior officials, following the assumption of duties at the Foreign Ministry yesterday. “The duties the President has entrusted me with are especially important in a world where the existing world order or hegemony is changing,” he said.   

“Over the next 20 to 25 years there is a great possibility of rapid economic and cultural change to take place in the world. Therefore it is imperative that these changes are studied and analysed in order to benefit from  new opportunities,” Mr. Balasuriya said. He added that Sri Lanka had multiple opportunities, especially in supply chain management, which had been an untapped area of investment for Sri Lanka.   

“Powerful nations use issues related to human rights and media freedom to interfere in domestic affairs of less powerful countries. These areas have to be developed and faced together by the non-aligned nations,” the Minister added commenting further on the importance of regional development.

Over the next 20 to 25 years there is a great possibility of rapid economic and cultural change to take place in the world.