Colombo, Aug. 17 (Daily Mirror) - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi has pledged to transform Sri Lanka into a country offering freedom, equality before the law and opportunities similar to those available in Australia.
Addressing overseas Sri Lankan entrepreneurs at the Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs’ Night 2026 in Melbourne, Handunneththi said many Sri Lankans had left the country for education, business opportunities or a life offering greater freedom and independence.
“A majority of those here are Sri Lankans. Despite the language we speak, we are from the same country, living at a 10-hour distance,” he said.
“You might have left for Australia for education, business, or for a life with freedom and independence. I promise today, alongside you and the 18 million people who voted for us, that within a short period we will transform Sri Lanka into a country like Australia, where future generations can study and live with freedom, with equal laws, and where you would want to reside,” he said.
Handunneththi also stressed the importance of overseas Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and investors in building a strong, production-based economy capable of overcoming the country’s economic challenges.
He said a new economic environment based on transparency, free from corruption and conducive to investment had already been established.
The Minister urged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs, both in the country and overseas, to play a leading role in advancing the country’s industrial and technological sectors and contributing to the creation of a stronger economy.
Ragitha Monday, 17 August 2026 06:18 AM
BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 17 August 2026 06:23 AM
Please do not make promises. Do it and then have your own enemy admit and declare of such a development. Because when you promise in advance, it never happens.
Down under Monday, 17 August 2026 06:31 AM
Wake up.. Wake up from Disneyland..
suni Monday, 17 August 2026 06:33 AM
Gajendran Monday, 17 August 2026 06:33 AM
What would happen in Australia if a lawyer and Member of Parliament says "it is your democratic right to lie".
Too late Monday, 17 August 2026 06:49 AM
If you didn't agitate for a Cuba for 65 years we would have been an Australia already.
Mahesh Monday, 17 August 2026 07:02 AM
You should have a vision and act towards achieving it. Once the corruptions and drugs are eliminated, it can be achieved it with greater success. I would say the current government is more concerned about our people and their successes than any other governments in the past in our history
Gune Monday, 17 August 2026 07:26 AM
Please don’t do that honorable minister- the people who migrated from here will all want to comeback.
Sandy Monday, 17 August 2026 08:17 AM
Politicians offering many things is just pure politics.
sss Monday, 17 August 2026 09:32 AM
Without changing the general populace attitudes whatever the government say will not happen. People are used to the practices and attitudes of the past 70 years which the government called 70 year curse. Most of the people are used to as well as required to get things done in improper ways. Listening to people many are frustrated and complain that things get longer to get done. The work habits especially in the vast public sector remain the same with many not doing their responsibilities properly. The government is not doing anything to change the attitude /thinking of people despite the vast network of mass media available to the government
tender Fernando Monday, 17 August 2026 10:04 AM
Not a big quechon and like eating cashew if a referendum came instead of 2024 presidential election.
It is not that easy. In Australia law and order is number one. Everybody must vote in elections. If you fail to do that, you will get a fine. If you don’t pay, you will be sent to jail. Road discipline is there. If you speed or break traffic law and get caught, full force of law will be applied irrespective of your status. Every adult has to lodge a tax return. They stay in a queue until their turn comes without pushing others. The constitution has no place to a religion. While government respects all religious beliefs, the country is governed according to facts, figures and national needs and norms. To become like Australia, a lot of things to do. It is completely 360 degrees transformation. Can be done in any other country not in Sri Lanka.
Jen Monday, 17 August 2026 12:58 PM
Possible, But not merly by focusing on anti-corruption anti -drug operations alone. Need to expand the economy and alleviate the suffering of the people. All major FTA's are virtually on hold. Trinco oil tank farm development with UAE
R D Pieris Monday, 17 August 2026 01:57 PM
Some of the ppl commenting here don’t seem to realise the amount of development projects/improvements and upgrades the govt has achieved in these two years in the areas of digitisation, hundreds of projects under Clean Sri Lanka, railways, buses, housing, schools, health, hospital (including crucial equipment), child nutrition, womens economic empowerment, irrigation rehabilitation, restructuring the energy sector, wage increases, anti corruption drive, dismantling the drug mafia, ensuring violence-free elections, urban development, 100s of environment projects and so much more. This govt should hv cone to power 30 years ago.
DD Thursday, 20 August 2026 01:56 AM
Please keep this country as it is.Do the developments with available resources and let other countries to follow us.
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