Summary of findings and recommendations

Since independence in 1948,conditions have never permitted national or foreign private investment to flourish for sustained periods in Sri Lanka. The statistics show that Sri Lanka is still a very low-income country with an economic structure not far removed from that of the colonial era. Fortunately,the local skills base in both general education and business disciplines is much better than would be expected in a country with a per capita income of only $800. There is a well-established national private sector. There are good grounds for believing that private investment will respond well to the prospects of greater stability and to reforms in the investment framework. Sri Lanka's ambition to be an international business hub is realizable if regulatory,tax and institutional reforms are made and Sri Lanka's strong points are developed and promoted well. Preferential trade access to India and possibly to the United States presents enormous opportunities.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure