Sept 10, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited the country's business community to submit their views and proposals for the next year's budget that is being formulated now by the Finance Ministry.

The President has extended this invitation at a meeting held with the business community at the Temple Trees on Thursday to enlighten the business community on the massive economic development taking place in Hambantota and the opportunities it presents to the potential investors.

During the meeting the business community was informed of the large scale development projects that are in operation in the Hambantota District. The two main projects are the Magampura Harbour and the Mattala International Airport.

The government plans to develop Hambanthota and the surrounding towns as a leading commercial hub and invited the entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities.

A workshop showcasing the progress in development in Hambantota was also organized at Temple Trees.

Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Parliamentarians Namal Rajapaksa, Governor of Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, and many government officials participated in the workshop.

Taking up on President's call, the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce has said that it will present its views and proposals for the next budget to the government shortly.