Building a Better Future: Sri Lanka’s Strategy for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Economy

Aneslin Bala
3 min readFeb 1, 2024

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Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is on a mission to build a brighter future for its people and the planet. The country’s recently launched Strategy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses outlines a bold vision for an economy that is not only prosperous but also equitable and environmentally responsible.

The Challenges and the Opportunity

Sri Lanka, like many developing nations, faces several challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. The traditional “profit-first” approach to business has often exacerbated these problems, leaving many people behind and straining the island’s natural resources.

However, Sri Lanka also has a unique opportunity to chart a different course. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, a talented workforce, and a growing awareness of the need for sustainable development. The new strategy leverages these strengths to create an economy that works for everyone.

What is the Strategy?

The Sri Lankan government’s strategy focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable businesses. These are businesses that:

  • Create shared prosperity:
    They provide decent jobs, fair wages, and opportunities for people from all walks of life.
  • Protect the environment:
    They use resources responsibly and minimize their negative impact on the planet.
  • Operate transparently and ethically:
    They are accountable to their stakeholders and uphold high standards of governance.

The strategy outlines several concrete actions to support these businesses, including:

  • Providing financial incentives and technical assistance
  • Raising awareness and building capacity
  • Improving access to finance
  • Creating a supportive regulatory environment

Examples of Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses in Sri Lanka

The strategy is already inspiring a wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. Here are a few examples of businesses that are leading the way:

  • Selyn:
    A women-led handloom business that provides flexible employment and valuable income opportunities to rural women artisans.
  • SOFA (Small Organic Farmers Association):
    An organization that helps smallholder farmers produce and export organic food while promoting fair trade practices and sustainable agriculture.
  • WindForce:
    The largest renewable energy developer in Sri Lanka, which provides clean energy access to businesses and communities while investing in local development projects.

These are just a few examples of the many inspiring businesses emerging in Sri Lanka. The country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development is paving the way for a brighter future for Sri Lanka and the world as a whole.

What You Can Do

There are many ways you can support Sri Lanka’s journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy. Here are a few ideas:

  • Learn more about the strategy and the businesses it supports.
  • Invest in inclusive and sustainable businesses in Sri Lanka.
  • Spread the word about Sri Lanka’s positive example.
  • Support organizations that are working to promote inclusive and sustainable development around the world.

Together, we can help build a better future for Sri Lanka and for all of us.

Finally,

Sri Lanka’s Strategy to Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses is a bold and ambitious plan with the potential to transform the country’s economy and society. By supporting this strategy, we can all help create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

I hope this blog article has given you a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s strategy and the importance of inclusive and sustainable businesses. Please share this article with your friends and family and let’s work together to build a better future for all.

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Aneslin Bala
Aneslin Bala

Written by Aneslin Bala

I am Aneslin Bala (MBA-Finance), CEO, Consultant for Corporate LMS, eCommerce and Cloud Services. Here I'm talking about SL Economics. https://linktr.ee/aneslin

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