Minister Kabir Hasheem said that he was very pleased to oversee the promotional effort of the country and recollected the time the BOI was established in 1978 by the then first Executive President of the country.    It was a vital decision that impacted considerably on the economy of Sri Lanka and proved to be a correct one.  However, the investment ratio needs to be increased and focus should now be on attracting quality investments.  He also added that BOI has considerable potential in contributing to the Government’s objective.  Minister Kabir Hashim also said that according to the “Sigalovada Suthra” “we must work honestly and in a disciplined manner” and wished the staff of the BOI good luck in achieving those objectives.

Eran Wickramaratne Deputy Minister of Highways and Investment Promotion added that a new political culture was being created in the Country.  BOI is one of the Key institutions for the economic development of Sri Lanka. In future there should be strong focus on investment rather than on foreign loans since investment is a factor which holds the potential of developing the National Economy.  Sri Lanka will also look at increasing the investment to GDP ratio.  Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne also added that he had worked with the BOI as a Board Member in 2005 and is fully aware of the strength of the BOI and the capability of its staff.  He concluded by adding that it was important for all to work together to achieve the new Government’s targets.