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SRI LANKA EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DC HOSTS
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS ALUMNI FOR AN INFORMATIVE EVENING
“Think Sri Lanka” - The Ambassador tells the Guests
“Be it trade, investment or tourism - think Sri Lanka” was the underlying message of the welcome remarks made by the Sri Lankan Ambassador, His Excellency Jaliya Wickramasuriya, during his meeting with the London School of Economics Alumni in Washington D.C. last week. The Ambassador’s message was echoed by the Minister of Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion, Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, who addressed the distinguished gathering as the chief guest, following his participation in the Autumn Meetings of the IMF/World Bank in Washington D.C. The event, jointly organized by the Washington Chapter of the American Friends of the London School of Economics (AFLSE), London School of Economics-Global Real Estate Group (LSE-GREG) and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. on 14th October attracted as many as fifty members from the AFLSE and the LSE-GREG, who represented many areas of interests, including the US Congress, banking, information & communication technology, accounting and real estate.
Briefing the alumni participants, Ambassador Wickramsuriya stated that Sri Lanka, with its market-oriented economy, had emerged as a promising trading and investment partner for foreign entrepreneurs. He also pointed out the vast potential Sri Lanka holds for promoting for eco-tourism and the growing demand for boutique hotels. Touching upon the long-established relations between the two countries, Ambassador Wickramasuriya said that the United States and Sri Lanka would continue to remain strong allies, supporting each other in many fronts such as freedom and democracy, poverty alleviation, terrorism and environment. He appreciated the spirit of solidarity, demonstrated by the United States with its decision to ban the LTTE in 1997 and its front organization, TRO last year. In his address as the Chief Guest, Minister Amunugama highlighted the steps being taken by the Sri Lankan government to restore civil administration in the country’s Eastern Province and improve the livelihood of its people. He said hat the government would never give up its efforts in finding a political solution for the moderate thinking Tamils, while responding militarily to the ruthless terrorism professed by the LTTE. In responding to a question raised by the audience, the Minister presented the Sri Lanka’s perspective of the current global financial crisis and its impact on the island’s economy. Also on the panel were, Mr. Asanka Pathiraja, Sri Lanka Representative of the LSE-GREG and Mr. Nimal Karunatilake, Minister (Commercial) of the Sri Lankan Embassy, who made a detailed presentation on the Investment Opportunities available in Sri Lanka’s real estate and infrastructure sectors. The questions form the audience covered a wide range of topics pertaining to politics, economy and security. Embassy of Sri Lanka 29 October 2008 |
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