The UK’s Department for International Trade has updated its Overseas Business Risk Guidance on Sri Lanka, stating that “doing business in Sri Lanka is not without risks, but lots of companies successfully export to and invest and operate in Sri Lanka.”
Under business and human rights advice, the guidance states that there “is concern for minority rights including those of ethnic groups, LGBT and disabled groups.”
However the guidance makes no reference to internationally recognised human rights issues which remain unresolved, such as militarisation of the North-East, especially of the economy, and state and military occupation of civilian land.
On bribery and corruption the guidance claims that “the situation has improved under the current government” however “public officials are not required to declare their assets and “conflict of interest” guidance is sketchy and essentially unenforceable. Good connections can often be important to help minimise the risks of losing business to corrupt competitors.”
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