'Sri Lanka Open for Business': Hanif Yusoof Meets US Under Secretary of State

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has renewed its push to attract global investment, with Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof engaging in high-level discussions in Washington D.C. aimed at strengthening economic ties with the United States and positioning the country as a competitive investment destination.

In a statement shared following the meeting, Governor Yusoof said he met with US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg at the US Department of State, marking his first official engagement during his visit to the United States focused on promoting Sri Lanka’s investment potential.

Describing the discussions as “substantive and forward-looking,” Yusoof said the talks centered on deepening bilateral economic cooperation and exploring opportunities for US investment in key sectors critical to Sri Lanka’s next phase of growth.

He highlighted strategic areas such as ports, logistics, energy, and data centres as sectors where American investment and technological expertise could play a transformative role in accelerating Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and long-term development.

Emphasizing lessons from Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, Yusoof noted that the country’s path forward depends on greater openness and stronger international engagement. He said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake remains committed to building a more open, competitive, and investment-ready economy, aimed at restoring confidence among global investors.

Yusoof, who also serves as the President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Investment, stated that his role is to clearly communicate Sri Lanka’s economic potential to international partners, investors, and stakeholders.

He acknowledged that Sri Lanka has historically been overlooked on the global stage due to its size but stressed that the country’s strategic location, institutional strengths, and ability to connect regional economies offer advantages that go beyond geography and population.

The Governor expressed optimism following his meeting, noting that Under Secretary Helberg demonstrated a strong understanding of Sri Lanka’s opportunities and showed interest in advancing cooperation to fast-track investment and growth.

He further underscored that the United States and Sri Lanka have a unique opportunity to build a stronger economic partnership rooted not only in trade and investment but also in shared values and mutual confidence.

Looking ahead, Yusoof said he is keen to continue engagement with U.S. counterparts in a “practical and results-oriented way,” while expressing hope that Under Secretary Helberg would visit Sri Lanka to witness firsthand the country’s economic potential.