Sri Lanka is always open to transparent, long-term investments – Hon. Prime Minister
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that Sri Lanka’s doors are always open to transparent, long-term investments, and that the Government will provide maximum support for responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on 12 August in Colombo while participating in the Asia-Pacific SDG Investment Forum, organised by the United Nations Global Compact and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the forum, held under the theme “Forward Faster Now,” Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said:
We cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the efforts of governments alone. The public sector, private sector and civil society must all come together. Today, developing countries face an annual financing gap of between USD 2.5 trillion and USD 4 trillion. In the Asia-Pacific region alone, this gap is USD 1.5 trillion. Moreover, by 2030, there is a significant risk that we will fall short of 88% of the measurable Sustainable Development Goals in this region. This is why we need to accelerate the mobilisation of finance and investment.
After a challenging period, Sri Lanka has now begun to stabilise its economy and rebuild. In 2025, our economy grew by 5%. GDP increased to USD 108.8 billion, while per capita income exceeded USD 5,000. However, our goal is not simply growth reflected in economic figures. We seek genuine economic transformation that creates job opportunities and ensures that the benefits of growth are shared fairly.
As a Government, we will provide maximum support for the development of the business sector. However, what we seek are not investments driven solely by profit, but responsible investments that uphold human rights and protect the environment. Paying workers a decent wage, providing vocational training, paying taxes properly, and being committed to environmental protection are fundamental responsibilities of every business. In particular, removing barriers that prevent women and those who have historically been marginalised from participating in the economy remains one of our key priorities.
Natural disasters caused by climate change pose a serious threat to agriculture and energy security across the region. Through the Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Green Finance Taxonomy introduced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, we have taken steps to address these climate-related challenges and facilitate access to finance for local small and medium-sized enterprises. Sri Lanka is a country that respects the environment and values equitable growth. Therefore, our doors will always remain open to transparent, long-term investments
Speaking at the event, Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, said:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has identified three major crises affecting both the public and private sectors around the world: the climate crisis, the energy crisis and the financing crisis. The issue is not that the world lacks capital; it is that capital is not being directed where it is needed. While there is currently a USD 4 trillion financing gap for achieving the SDGs, the private sector holds USD 22 trillion. The key challenge now is to direct this capital towards areas that can deliver strong returns while improving people’s quality of life.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, conflict, climate change and high costs, we have solutions. We need to focus on providing people with secure housing, fair wages, equality and quality education for children. Investing in clean energy can also generate rapid returns. It is equally essential to redirect investments, particularly given the continued high levels of subsidies provided to fossil fuels.
Attracting investment to developing countries is not merely a financial issue. It requires trust, transparency and strong cooperation between the public and private sectors. Businesses, banks, investors and policymakers must work together to bridge the financing gap in the Asia-Pacific region. The United Nations and the Sri Lankan team stand ready to provide continued support towards this effort.
Through the UN Global Compact, a CFO Coalition has been established with the ambition of mobilising a USD 10 trillion financing market by 2030. Blended finance mechanisms have also been introduced, bringing together governments, development institutions and the private sector to create successful investments that deliver social benefits. This discussion provides an important platform for identifying practical solutions to capitalise on the significant investment opportunities emerging across developing economies.
The occasion was attended by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, representatives of the United Nations Global Compact, senior executives from the private sector in the Asia-Pacific region, diplomats, sustainable development experts and leaders from various sectors.
