Jamila Husain 
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Mr. President, please look after our local investors!
Dear Mr. President,
Since gaining independence in 1948, Sri Lankans have endured much as a nation — from war and economic hardship to racism and social division. Yet time and again, we have risen together, setting aside our differences and rebuilding with resilience.
In 2009, our armed forces ended a brutal 30-year conflict against the LTTE. The terrorists were eliminated, the bombings ceased, and the bloodshed stopped. Mothers finally found relief knowing their sons on the battlefield would return home safe and sound.
After the war, Sri Lanka embarked on a path of transformation and development. We allied with China and opened up to investments. India stood by us, contributing significantly to our progress. As Chinese and Indian influence grew, the United States also expressed interest in investing here. Thus began our journey to transform Sri Lanka into a leading hub in the Indian Ocean.
While successive governments chased foreign investors, local entrepreneurs quietly built the backbone of the economy. Large-scale Sri Lankan enterprises expanded, creating thousands of jobs. Under the strong leadership of homegrown investors, we strengthened key sectors such as garments, agriculture, real estate, tourism, and tea.
Despite the government’s obsession with foreign direct investments — often accompanied by corruption — local businesses remained consistent contributors to Sri Lanka’s economic growth. Even amid poor political decisions, excessive bureaucracy, and neglect, our investors never lost hope. They continued to drive the nation forward.
Then came the worst economic crisis in 2022. Almost every business was hit hard. Many local factories shut down, others relocated elsewhere in South Asia, and jobs were cut as cost-saving measures. Yet, despite these challenges, local investors held onto their vision for Sri Lanka’s recovery and refused to give up.
Now, in 2025, despite the odds, our local investors remain Sri Lanka’s pride. But are they being looked after by successive governments? The answer is a resounding no.
Just last week, I spoke with a leading Sri Lankan investor who expressed deep frustration. Despite contributing heavily to Sri Lanka’s GDP, they face constant setbacks with authorities who still cannot get the basics right.
“We are still struggling to create a one-stop hub where all approvals can be processed efficiently. Even today, getting approvals takes months because bureaucrats never move. It’s not a conducive environment for us,” the investor said.
It’s no secret that Sri Lanka’s investment laws are weak and its bureaucracy outdated. Officials rarely act with urgency, and red tape continues to choke progress. For years, governments have promised investor-friendly reforms, yet to this day, local investors are tossed from pillar to post. When a project has potential to attract foreign investment, local entrepreneurs are often sidelined. And even if they secure a tender, bureaucratic delays prevent them from getting projects off the ground.
Our policymakers must understand a simple truth: before chasing greener pastures abroad, they must realize that the grass can be greener at home.
Sri Lanka’s local investors have weathered every storm — from political instability to economic collapse — yet they continue to stand strong, paying taxes, employing thousands, and keeping industries alive. Instead of celebrating them, governments continue to overlook their potential while bending over backwards to please foreign investors who often exit the market frustrated by inefficiency and corruption.
If this cycle continues, we risk losing the very people who have built and sustained our economy from within. It’s time to give local investors the recognition and support they deserve.
With the growing popularity of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who promised reform and economic revival during his campaign, this is an earnest appeal to him: please look into the concerns of our local investors.
Provide them with a stable, transparent, and efficient investment environment. Streamline approvals, strengthen laws, and eliminate corruption that stifles enterprise. Before inviting foreign investors, ensure that our own business community feels valued and protected.
Sri Lanka’s progress must begin at home. The people who believed in this country during its darkest times are the same ones still holding it together today. They deserve more than empty promises — they deserve a government that truly has their back.
Your’s Sincerely,
Jamila Husain
Editor-In-Chief
Comments - 13
Recommended
You May Also Like
Trending
