The government is seeking long-term investment while asking businesses to create jobs, protect the environment and contribute to broader economic growth.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the administration would support businesses that respect human rights, provide decent wages and meet their tax obligations.
She made the remarks at the Asia-Pacific SDG Investment Forum in Colombo on Wednesday. The forum was organised by the United Nations Global Compact and the Board of Investment.
Investment remains a priority
Amarasuriya said investment is needed to help close the financing gap facing developing countries.
Developing countries face an annual financing gap of between US$2.5 trillion and US$4 trillion. The Asia-Pacific region accounts for about US$1.5 trillion of that gap.
She said the economy grew by 5% in 2025, while GDP reached US$108.8 billion.
However, the Prime Minister said economic growth should also create jobs and ensure that more people benefit from it.
She said the administration would provide support to businesses while expecting investors to look beyond financial returns.
What businesses are expected to deliver
Amarasuriya identified decent wages, vocational training, proper tax payments and environmental protection as key expectations.
She also called for greater participation by women and groups that have had fewer opportunities in the economy.
Climate risks to agriculture and energy security were also discussed.
The Prime Minister said the Central Bank’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap and Green Finance Taxonomy could help address these risks and improve access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses.
Meanwhile, United Nations Global Compact CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo said the problem was not simply a lack of capital.
She said the private sector holds an estimated US$22 trillion, compared with an SDG financing gap of about US$4 trillion.
The priority, she said, is to direct investment towards areas that can generate returns while improving people’s quality of life.
The investment message is therefore clear: businesses can expect support, while investors will also face expectations around jobs, wages, taxes and environmental responsibility.
Investment Prime Minister’s Office
Last modified: August 13, 2026
