Sri Lanka FDI Envoy Outlines Priorities for Inclusive Growth 📈

Speaking at the Orange Economy Summit 2026, President’s Special Envoy for FDI Hanif Yusoof urged for an inclusive economy that connects local talent with capital while driving sustainable foreign direct investment. • Labor Force & Inclusion Gaps: Only ~1/3 of working-age women are currently in the labor force, highlighting a major underutilization of national talent alongside rural entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, and small businesses needing finance, tech, and market access. • Key Focus Sectors: The Envoy highlighted growth and investment potential across tourism, small industries, agriculture, services, ICT/technology, and entrepreneurship. • Strategic Govt Priorities: • Enhancing education, digital connectivity, transparency, and investor confidence. • Positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for inclusive and sustainable investment. • Linking impact investments with capital markets like the Colombo Stock Exchange. • Prioritizing climate resilience as an economic necessity to protect infrastructure and livelihoods following disruptions like Cyclone Ditwah. • Role of Private Sector: Emphasized that banks, private companies, universities, and financial institutions must collaborate to convert capital into long-term social impact, job creation, and female entrepreneurship.