Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has stressed the need for accountability and proper regulation in all public and private investments, saying large-scale projects must align with Sri Lanka’s long-term economic and strategic interests.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while attending the official opening of Phase II of the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) at the Port of Colombo.
Dr. Amarasuriya said public and private investment was essential for developing large-scale infrastructure, but stressed that the volume of investment alone should not be the focus. She said investments and partnerships must be properly regulated, accountable and sustainable.
She described the port sector as a key component of Sri Lanka’s economic development and said the country’s strategic location along major Indian Ocean shipping routes provides a significant advantage in attracting international trade and investment.
According to the Prime Minister, Sri Lanka must make greater use of its modern port infrastructure, skilled workforce and access to international markets to attract sustainable investment, create employment, increase exports and accelerate economic transformation.
Dr. Amarasuriya also highlighted the advanced technology used at the CWIT terminal, including automated cranes, electric terminal vehicles and real-time monitoring systems.
However, she stressed that expanding physical infrastructure must be accompanied by investment in local technical expertise and human resources capable of operating and maintaining such advanced systems.
The Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of partnerships and joint investments in major infrastructure projects, while reiterating that the government would assess not only the scale of investments but also their quality, sustainability and compatibility with Sri Lanka’s long-term economic objectives.
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening Sri Lanka’s relationships with regional and international partners, particularly India, describing the country as an important economic and regional partner.
Dr. Amarasuriya said there was significant potential to further expand trade, investment and people-to-people links between Sri Lanka and India while taking into account the mutual priorities and aspirations of both countries.
Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Deputy Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Janith Ruwan Kodituwakku, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation W.W.S. Mangala were among those who attended the event, along with senior government officials, corporate leaders and institutional heads.
