The National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC), established under the Presidential Secretariat to remove administrative and regulatory barriers faced by investors and businesses, was officially opened today (22) in Colombo.
The centre, established under the concept of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aims to coordinate with relevant government institutions and expedite solutions to issues encountered when starting and operating businesses in Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
The “ViYASA” National Business Facilitation Centre is located at Building C80, Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Colombo 07, and is headed by Senior Additional Secretary to the President Seevali Arukgoda.
The centre’s official website, nbfc.presidentsoffice.gov.lk, was also launched today.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti said the establishment of the centre responds to a long-standing request from business chambers, exporters, entrepreneurs and investors.
He said one of the major challenges faced by investors is obtaining land, while delays relating to financial facilities and Customs procedures also create obstacles to investment.
The Minister said the government was working to attract new investments in several sectors, including mineral resources, while also seeking to develop Sri Lanka as an international gem and jewellery hub.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said facilitating business activity would be essential to achieving economic growth and development.
He said the government remains mindful of global economic uncertainties and developments relating to foreign exchange, exports, imports and the financial sector.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said the centre had been established to address key challenges facing entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses seeking to expand into export markets.
He emphasized that the NBFC is more than a conventional one-stop shop, as it will coordinate with multiple ministries and government institutions to provide solutions to business-related issues.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President Seevali Arukgoda said entrepreneurs will not necessarily have to visit the centre physically. They will be able to submit their issues and relevant documents remotely, after which the centre will coordinate with the appropriate government institutions to seek solutions.
He said unresolved legal or policy-related issues would be referred to the government through the National Operations Committee of the NBFC for consideration.
According to Arukgoda, the centre aims to make it easier to establish new businesses while helping existing businesses expand and continue their operations more efficiently.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister Sunil Handunnetti, Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, senior government officials, representatives of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and members of the business community were also present.
