He pointed out that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is now confirmed as the only leader who can rescue the fallen country based on knowledge, experience and global connections.
Therefore, choosing that leadership for the next five years is a right and fair decision, the state minister said.
Minister of State Dilum Amunugama said this at a press conference held at the Presidential Media Center yesterday (31).
Minister of State Dillum Amunugama who further commented here,
The investment target given to the Board of Investment and the Ministry of Investment Promotion this year is one billion dollars. Investments of 800 million dollars have come to the country so far. But we believe that by the end of this year we can go towards the two billion dollar target.
By 2024, investment opportunities have been created for 35 projects in Trincomalee, Paranthan, Mankulam, Kangesanthurai, etc. But we believe that the investments may decrease somewhat due to the start of elections. But it must be said that this is a normal condition.
Also, it is worth noting that after the implementation of the new Economic Exchange Act, investment promotion activities will be carried out through the Economic Commission. All decisions in this regard shall be taken by its members. Also, there is a scheme that allows investments in a very short period of time.
Our newly established Office of International Trade has made arrangements to enter into free trade agreements. It should also be noted that there is scope for increasing duty-free exports.
Also, 80% construction work of Portcity project has been completed so far. At present, drinking water and electricity supply works are being carried out. In this, permission must be obtained under the Business Strategic Importance Act to start business activities.
For that, applicants have to submit their project report to the Portcity Commission. So far, we have awarded more than twenty BSIs to the Cabinet. About fifty BSIs are to be presented to the Cabinet.
And now various parties are making accusations about the work of the government. It must be remembered that it is a miracle that the country, which had experienced severe economic collapse, was brought to a stable position in a short period of two years.
Looking at other countries like Greece and Lebanon, it is clear that no country in the world has experienced economic collapse and achieved stability in such a short period of time.
No one came forward to rescue the country that fell two years ago. At that time, our position is that President Ranil Wickramasinghe is the only leader who can restore the fallen country based on knowledge, experience and international relations, so he should be given the opportunity to do so. We reported it to the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
That choice has now been confirmed to be correct. So choosing this leadership for the next five years is the right decision at this juncture.