President invites local entrepreneurs

President Rajapaksa said that large scale investment in a number of sectors including renewable energy, green agriculture, technology gardens and greenhouses would provide a great opportunity to control foreign exchange.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa pointed out that the shortage of cement has arisen due to the increase in demand for cement with the revival in the construction sector during the past two years.

Pointing out that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the market, the Minister urged the business community not to take undue advantage of the decision taken to deregulate the prices of many commodities except drugs.

The Governor of the Central Bank pointed out that the country is losing foreign investment opportunities due to false propaganda about the country's economy and said that the government has the ability to repay all foreign loans and will take steps to attract non-debt investments to the country.

Entrepreneurs noted the need to enhance tourist facilities for its promotion. The entrepreneurs also requested the President to stop the emigration of students for education and to set up a mechanism to create such educational opportunities in the country.