Tremendous scope for public-private partnership - PM

Dialog Telekom Group CEO Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Deputy Finance Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama, SLMBC Vice President and Mackwoods Chairman Dr Chris Nonis, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Dr Mahathir Mohamed, SLMBC President Kavin de Silva and Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal at the meeting.

With new opportunities opened in Sri Lanka due to the Government’s accelerated development program there is tremendous scope for foreign investments and public-private partnerships, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne said.

The first International Business Leaders Forum organized by the Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council was held yesterday.

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne greeting Dr Mahathir Mohamed

The theme of this year’s forum The Malaysian Development Experience and Opportunities for Sri Lanka’s Economic Ascendance is timely.

“There are many lessons we can learn from Malaysia, which is considered as an emerging economic giant in Asia,” he said.

To harness these potentials, participation of foreign investors is vital. As we enter the new era, President Mahinda Rajapaksa remains optimistic. Sri Lanka has the confidence and capability to cope with the present challenges and emerge as a strong nation.

There are several major projects under construction for accelerated development islandwide. “We are also planning to reclaim the sea and build up an area of 500 acres in a prime location of Colombo city,” the Prime Minister said.

This project will create excellent opportunities for private investors. Once this project is completed, it may give a complete new outlook to the Colombo city.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed made the key note address on the theme of Malaysian development experience and opportunities for Sri Lanka’s economic ascendance.

The sixth Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Awards 2010 was also held yesterday. (CdeS)