People’s views should be taken into account over MCC: President to US

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today said the aspirations of the people of both the US and Sri Lanka should be taken into consideration in the future activities of the MCC Agreement since both the US and Sri Lanka are countries which respect democratic values.

President Rajapaksa at a meeting with US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Alice Wells said that the proposal to the MCC agreement is being studied by a panel of experts at the moment.

The President noted that the Expert Panel is focused on the implementation and experience of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Agreement in other countries.

He said the prime objective of Sri Lankan Government is to build a state that will eradicate poverty with rapid economic growth.

The President also said that an investment friendly environment with a simplified tax system and a business environment that facilitates foreign investment opportunities have been enabled the country.

He said education, agriculture, tourism and technology based industries are some of the key areas targeted at development.

The US is a major buyer of garment products in Sri Lanka. The President also invited the US to invest in technology-based industries since Sri Lanka is also ready to develop its IT-based sectors. (Lahiru Pothmulla)