News
Malraj completes PhD in Economics on ‘Determinants of Tourism FDI’
Malraj B. Kiriella, a multi-disciplinary professional, was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics degree by the Colombo University.
Earlier, he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics at the same university and his LL.B at the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Kiriella is an Attorney-at-Law with professional qualifications in management, marketing, international relations, research, and tourism from leading Sri Lankan and international institutions. He has held senior positions in many professional organizations over a period of time.
He is an old boy of Ferguson High School (Primary) Boys Section in Ratnapura, D. S. Senanayake College, Colombo and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavina. He has worked in the public and private sectors and served as Director-General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority from 2015 to 2018.
The aim of his PhD research was to identify the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to tourism sector in Sri Lanka since the post-war period, the development of tourism as a key economic driver, targeting high tourist inflows and revenue to the country.
In order to cater to more tourists and achieve the aims, the country needed additional tourist services and facilities. FDI has been identified to fill the investment gap as domestic investment is inadequate. In addition, tourism FDI brings advantages to the country such as brand image, marketing and promotion, training, new technologies, centralized reservation and sales, etc.
There have been very few large international investments in tourist hotel projects. In addition to the accommodation sector, the absence of FDI is demanded in a number of tourism sub-sectors namely, restaurants, transport, training, recreation and entertainment etc. FDI inflows to Sri Lanka increased after the war, but remained relatively low and below the targeted level. The research, therefore, examined the determinants of both demand and supply factors affecting the inflow of FDI to the country’s tourism sector.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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