Sri Lanka can play an important role in world growth: British HC

Nov 26, 2015 (LBO) –  Sri Lanka as an emerging economy can play a significant part in future world growth by unlocking it's full potential through the right policies and reforms,  the British High Commissioner said. “Emerging and developing countries will be increasingly important in driving global growth in the medium term,” James Dauris, British High Commissioner said. “Putting in place the right policies and reforms will be essential to unlock their full potential for growth.” He speaking as the chief guest at the National Chamber of Commerce’s business excellence awards ceremony 2015. It is in all our interests that we promote good conditions that drive prosperity all across the world: the rule of law, good governance and the growth of democracy, he said.

"Getting this right is in part the responsibility of governments and each of us as leaders in our companies however big or small." Dauris said that as leaders we need to act out and stand for our core values, what we believe is right and good. "As businesses we need to act out and stand for our business values – that we are honest and disdain corruption; that we care for our employees; that we care for our customers; that we are responsible; that we are ethical; that we are environmentally aware.

" Talking about trade between the two nations he said that in the first nine months of this year UK exports to Sri Lanka were up 44 percent on the same period in 2014. "Sri Lanka sells a lot more things to the UK, and we are ambitious to close the gap in our balance of trade." "We firmly believe that a strong commercial relationship is a win-win for both of our countries, a win-win that builds growth, employment opportunities and prosperity." Going a step further, he stressed that global prosperity is good for the UK. "It brings direct benefits from greater trade and investment opportunities, and indirect benefits from reduced conflict and instability overseas." Our national security depends on our economic security, and vice versa, he added.