Business
OPA meets with policymakers, makes 17 proposals for sectoral development of economy
by Steve A. Morrell
The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) has held discussions with the authorities of the government and have made proposals to further develop Tourism, Foreign Employment, Shipping, the Apparel Sector, Export Incentives, the Spice Industry and several other industries of the SME sector on a par with India and China.
Taking into account Sri Lanka’s geographical position in the Indian ocean and its multifaceted areas attracting international interest, the OPA has suggested continuous review and recommended credence for cogent action within a given time frame.
The press conference convened by the OPA last week was to project interest of areas for discussion not merely to highlight action, but to incentivise action to improve the economic position of the government to eventually ensure economic progress,
Dulith Perera President of OPA said that at a meeting in December 2020 of the executive council of the OPA, the Committee for the Development and Sustenance of foreign Exchange in Sri Lanka’ was formed. Since then the Committee has subjected to deliberations and generated proposals categorized as short term and Medium term options.
Short term options included, credit lines extended to long years with countries from major level of imports, development of the apparel export sector. Utilising the ‘New Normal’ and the developmens in the apparel industry in Bangladesh as index for further growth.
The OPA’s further deliberations included, seeking enhanced employment quotas from countries such as Korea, Japan, Middle East, Israel etc., to improve foreign remittances. Also negotiate an employment quota from China.
Creation of an authority to develop the spice industry, in the context that Sri Lanka spices are the best in the world and following the model of the tea industry for further development.
Developing the Colombo Port for international container shipping to include Colombo as part of the major shipping lanes and address the lack of containers needed for exports.
Encouraging foreign investment for a minimum of 100,000 USD, or an equalised portion of more than 50 percent of the total cost. The Banking institutions to enter into tripartite agreements with developers and investors.
Special concessions to the SME sector, to include interest free advances and credit guarantees to the apparel sector in particular to encourage this sector, which now contributes about 65 percent to the economy of the country. Support to this sector is recognized as crucial to progress of the economy.
Gems and jewellery is included in the OPA proposals.
Additionally Economic development through export of high tech products, A new dimension for tourism, that could include medical tourism, pilgrim tourism and the outstanding features of Sri Lanka’s topography. Expanse of beaches with aqua sports and abundance of fauna and flora including game parks,
Development of universities to attract influx of foreign students from countries like the Maldives, Pakistan, Bhutan, to name few, countries who could take advantage of educational possibilities that could cater to a student population from such countries.
The OPA’s resurgence programme also included resuscitating and re-structuring industries that needed assistance for progress with assistance from the banking sector.
Past President Ruwan Gallage elaborated on details that were conveyed to the government, for effective action both in the short term and long term.
Attorney at law, Ruchira Gunasekera, Gen Sec. Eng, Upali Jayawardena, President Dulith Perera, Past president Ruwan Gallage , Treasurer, Bandula Gamarachchi, and Shantha Senarath were at the head table at the press conference.
Business
President briefs Sri Lankan delegation leaving for tariff related discussions in Washington
A Sri Lankan delegation is set to participate in discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This is the second in-person meeting aimed at ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two nations.
This initiative builds on several prior virtual interactions held between the USTR and Sri Lankan officials, and underscores a commitment to deepening economic ties. The upcoming talks are anticipated to explore avenues for enhancing trade cooperation and securing favourable outcomes for Sri Lanka, in light of current economic priorities.
Ahead of the visit, a high-level meeting was convened today under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayake to ensure the country’s interests are well represented. The discussion focused on aligning the delegation’s approach with Sri Lanka’s broader economic strategy, ensuring the best possible outcomes from the upcoming discussions.
Key participants at the meeting included Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, K.A. Vimalenthirarajah; Duminda Hulangamuwa, Senior Economic Advisor to the President; Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development K.M.M. Siriwardana; Nirmal Vigneshwaran, representing the Attorney General’s Department; and Dharshana Perera from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Details of the discussions in Washington are expected to be made available following the conclusion of the meetings.
[PMD]
Sri Lanka’s largest tourism exhibition, “Tourism Renaissance 2025” (Sancharaka Udawa 2025), was inaugurated on Friday (23) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
Organized jointly by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), this event brings together key stakeholders across the tourism industry. It offers a valuable platform for small and medium-scale enterprises, as well as individuals aspiring to enter the tourism sector, to connect with market opportunities and showcase their products and services.
The two-day exhibition, which ends on Saturday [24], features 250 trade stalls and includes participation from a wide range of sectors such as hotels, tour operators, airlines, service providers and educational institutions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath stated that the government has declared 2025 the “Year of Tourism Renaissance,” with plans to generate USD 5 billion in revenue from the tourism sector by the end of the year.
Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, SLAITO Chairman Nalin Jayasundara, SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and a distinguished group of invitees including the Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity with a vibrant national event at the Popam Arboretum in Dambulla, centering on the theme “Be part of the Plan.” The celebration, attended by students, researchers, community members, and officials, was led by Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, who emphasized the country’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Patabendi said, “As a government, we are committed to taking every possible step to protect our ecosystems and biodiversity. But this is not the responsibility of the government alone. It is a shared responsibility—one that requires the active participation of every citizen.”
The event highlighted the value of community involvement in conservation and featured a series of exhibitions and talks focused on sustainable tourism, traditional food systems, and environmental education. Locally sourced underutilized fruits and indigenous foods were displayed and shared by communities, underscoring the deep ties between biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
The celebration also featured two major guest lectures. Professor Cyril Wijesundara spoke on the current status of biodiversity in Sri Lanka, while Professor Gamini Pushpakumara presented on the promotion of underutilized food crops—a key element in ensuring food security and sustainability in the face of climate change.
“This is more than a celebration,” Minister Patabendi told journalists at the event. “It’s a reminder that sustainable development must go hand-in-hand with nature. We need to build our future with the forest, not against it.”
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