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| Sunday, 22 May 2005 |
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Strengthening donor fund utilisation vital, say Chambers The Sri Lanka Development Forum 2005 approved nearly US$ 3 billion grants for reconstruction and rehabilitation of tsunami affected areas in the country . For the first time the Business Chambers in the country participated in the forum. Here is a cross section of views by heads of leading chambers. The Joint Business Forum (JBIZ) said that the government and its related stakeholders should identify projects for the efficient and effective use of funds, which amounts to US $ 3 billion. The forum's main focus was on tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation activities and this was a drawback, its President Kingsley Bernard said. He said that the forum did not give priority for the development of non tsunami affected areas, which needs a lot of development. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, President Deva Rodrigo said the forum ended with great hopes for the country. The donor countries have pledged nearly US $ 3 billion for the country's development activities. The only thing we have to do is to strengthen the donor fund utilisation. Rodrigo said that the presentation made by Dr P. B Jayasundera on "Framework for Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction" at the forum was comprehensive and thought provoking for many donors. At the forum excellent discussions and ideas came up and it was quite interesting, he said. The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, President Nimal Perera said the forum was quite successful and gave the private sector great exposure. National Chamber of Commerce, President Nirmala Samaratunga said that the development forum was very encouraging and received overwhelming support from donor countries and agencies. She said that donor countries and lending agencies understood Sri Lanka's situation and they reacted positively. The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), President Nawaz Rajabdeen said that it was a very successful forum that got many opportunities for the country. HS |
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