Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa delivered a dynamic and forward-looking address at the SLIM World Marketing Forum 2025, positioning Sri Lanka as a nation poised to make its mark on the global stage across tourism, trade, investment, and innovation. Speaking to an international audience of marketing professionals, he highlighted the country’s rapid economic recovery and unique strengths as a global brand.
Premadasa described Sri Lanka as an island of “everlasting wonder,” where nature, culture, and hospitality converge to create a truly distinctive experience. He pointed to the strong resurgence in tourism, noting that more than two million visitors arrived in 2024, generating revenue of USD 3.1 billion. Emphasizing the need to enhance visitor experiences, he called for improved infrastructure and the protection of the country’s natural heritage so that every traveler leaves as an ambassador for Sri Lanka.
He also highlighted record export performance in 2024, with total exports reaching USD 16.7 billion, driven by robust contributions from apparel, tea, spices, rubber products, and services. Premadasa underscored that the “Made in Sri Lanka” identity has the potential to become a powerful global label built on sustainability and quality.
Outlining strategic advantages for long-term competitiveness, he pointed to Sri Lanka’s prime location in the Indian Ocean, maritime and logistics capacity, talented workforce aligned with global time zones, competitive operating costs, cultural depth, and unmatched biodiversity. He noted that few countries combine beaches, highlands, rainforests, ancient sites, and vibrant culture within such a compact landmass.
Inviting global investors to explore beyond traditional sectors, Premadasa positioned Sri Lanka as an emerging hub for wellness tourism, IT and BPO services, renewable energy, logistics, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. He stressed the importance of accelerating reforms, including streamlined approvals, modernized digital systems for customs and visas, a stable tax environment, stronger commercial courts, and policies to attract the global Sri Lankan diaspora.
Acknowledging the nation’s challenges, including rising poverty levels, Premadasa emphasized that foreign investment and export-driven growth are essential to lifting families out of hardship. He called for unified efforts among the government, private sector, and international partners to drive inclusive development.
Presenting his broader vision, Premadasa spoke of a future where Sri Lanka becomes a competitive, innovation-driven, and sustainably developed nation, with strong institutions, transparent governance, globally competitive industries, modern infrastructure, expanded exports, and equal opportunities for all citizens. He envisioned Sri Lanka as a dynamic Indian Ocean hub admired worldwide for both its natural beauty and economic ambition.
Concluding his address, Premadasa said Sri Lanka stands at a decisive moment. He invited the world to visit, trade with, and invest in Sri Lanka, expressing confidence that, with resilience and collective commitment, the country can become a global example of what a small island nation can achieve through unity, vision, and shared prosperity.
