President de Silva, members of the board and friends, thank you for having me speak this afternoon.
It gives me great pleasure to be here with your invite.
I know all of us love to watch a good cricket match as spectators- but it’s time for each of us to get in on the game and do our part.
Critical supply chain disruptions, to fuel and electricity, hamper Sri Lanka’s business operations, in nearly every industry.
Sri Lankans
Every day, in every conversation I have, Sri Lankans tell me their biggest concerns are about their future and for the education of the next generation.
Sri Lanka faces some serious challenges. But they are not insurmountable.
Sri Lanka is trying to move forward economically, but the government and business environment must adapt to its needs.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce lays out five steps that the Sri Lankan government should take to help revive the island’s economy.
The embassy has been cooperating closely with the council in order to achieve these essential steps. First, they are a critical voice in advising the government on how to reform the business environment.
Second, you are a primary engine for growing trade and investment focused on Sri Lanka.
Country must invest in its workforce by seeking women’s talents and using them for leadership roles.
This is one way Sri Lanka could grow the economy, which is a priority now that gender equality is important. It’s clear we need more women to make it in business.
With only 12% of parliament being women, this message resonated at our meeting with female lawmakers from across parties and other influential voices like Sri Lanka’s female MPs who number 235 out of 225 members of parliament.
Sri Lanka’s United States exports represent around three percent of the overall Sri Lankan GDP and help support 180,000 of our people.
We grow exports to the United States by demonstrating that investing in the US is a great option for entrepreneurs. Innovative companies can establish competitive advantages in a democracy.
The American consumer market is one of the largest in the world with a $20 trillion economy, 325 million people and $8.86 trillion export industry, many thanks to American businesses.
