Investment opportunities between Sri Lanka and Russia are expanded.  Accordingly, the government is ready to provide the necessary support to Russian investors for investment in Sri Lanka, said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.

He was speaking at a discussion with Russian investors and Sri Lankan businessmen living in Russia yesterday (02) in Moscow, Russia.

Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga further stated that the government is paying special attention to expand investments in the tourism sector.  Despite the Covid pandemic, new tourism investment approvals of US $ 879.94 million have been submitted in the recent past.  The number of projects submitted is 54.  Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga also said that new tourism investment proposals worth US $ 34 million were made during the third wave of Covid pandemic.

He further said that despite the Covid pandemic, the government has paid special attention to expanding new investment opportunities in the country and has expedited the process of granting approvals for foreign investors coming to Sri Lanka for investment.  The government has taken steps to eliminate delays as well as irregularities in granting new investment approvals.  Accordingly, investors who come to Sri Lanka for investment can now set up their factories without any delay after obtaining proper approvals, the Minister said.

Factory workers were given priority in the vaccination program in the country.  At present, 90% of the employees working in the Board of Investment and other factories have been vaccinated against Covid.  Although the country was closed, the government took steps to open factories in accordance with health guidelines and continue the manufacturing process in the country, said Minister, Hon. Prasanna Ranatunga.