China can be a “big bully”, says top bureaucrat

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Sri Lanka’s Asia focus has led to talks for trade with India, Pakistan, Singapore and negotiations are also underway with Thailand, Korea and Malaysia.

Moreover, with remittances reducing despite a slight increase last year, Ms. Malwatte explained that in a bid to service debts the country needs to do so through its revenues from exports.

“We have become a nation of consumption and not a manufacturing nation,” the chairperson stated adding that a conducive environment and political stability were crucial for the advancement of the economy.

In this respect, the National Export Strategy (NES) would help to reap the full benefits of exports and increase its earnings through diversified exports in boat building, wellness tourism, electrical and electronics, IT-BPM, spices and concentrates, processed food and beverages.

“I don’t think we have had such an extensive strategy policy done,” previously for exports with even the private sector being actively involved with the EDB, she explained.

Ms. Malwatte also explained that Sri Lanka needs to link up with the value chains of the world to become part of the total manufacturing product.

She insisted that the board requires a further boost by increasing the salaries of its staff in line with the private sector as it had once been in the past under the ministerial leadership of the late Lalith Athulathmudali.

She also had issues about the bureaucracy in the public service noting “There has to be a process to any madness” adding that there had been about 50 appointments made since she assumed office that was possible by doing follow-ups; but insisted no ministerial interference was allowed into her department.