US companies in Sri Lanka employ 40,000

US companies located in Sri Lanka have generated employment for nearly 40,000 locals.

Asked by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe what American businesses do in Sri Lanka, US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Atul Keshap said they collectively employ at least 30,000 to 40,000 people in varied sectors. Contents of his speech delivered during a visit with the Prime Minister to the opening of the US Innovation Centre of Star Garment on October 20 was issued in a media release by the US Embasssy.

He explained that American companies carried out highly advanced, highly technical work. “Americans have helped and put a lot of effort into creating a global operating system from rules and values that contribute to the well-being, not only of the United States and the peace and security of the United States, but to the prosperity and well- being of the entire world,” Mr. Keshap said.

The ambassador noted “American companies bring the best and highest standards of ethics, of design, of innovation, of technology, of responsible management, and absolutely cutting edge environmental responsibility”.

He also expressed confidence in the current government’s plans to establish Sri Lanka as a prosperous nation with high quality jobs with its location at the hub of the entire Indo-Pacific.

Bringing down the Millennium Challenge Corporation is also envisaged to work with the people of Sri Lanka, he noted.

“We've got a robust and thriving security relationship between our militaries, and on counterterrorism and law enforcement,” Mr. Keshap said.