State Minister of Regional Co-operation, Tharaka Balasuriya, said Sri Lanka would 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 on Wednesday.  

“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 these new opportunities,” Balasuriya said.

He added that Sri Lanka has multiple opportunities, especially in supply chain management, which has 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 nations. 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. (Kalani Kumarasinghe)