Support Govt -Joint appeal by Chambers
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Ceylon Chamber
of Commerce (CCC) and the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI)
has made the following joint appeal:
The country is currently at a momentous point in its history, where
ethnic strife and terrorism that has plagued it for a nearly three
decades has now reached a decisive stage.
This historic opportunity calls for unity of all sections of the
country, regardless of political, ethnic, religious and other
differences to support the Government under the leadership of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa. Any misguided action at this sensitive time can
nullify this prospect and propel this country into another spiral of
violence, misery and lost opportunity.
We believe that there are three critical requirements at this
juncture, which are:
* For the leadership of all political parties of the country to rally
round and support the initiative of the Government. We welcome the
approach of the Government to make the process inclusive by taking all
political parties into its confidence.
*. For the Government to take the initiative by announcing its
response to the aspirations of the minority communities and provincial
administration for the devolution of power.
It is reported that the APRC has achieved consensus on 90% of the
issues discussed. This process has taken over two years since it was
initiated with the objective of reaching consensus. Any further delay in
arriving at a resolution will only create suspicion and distrust
regarding the true intentions of Government. For the Government to
intensify its positive steps to minimise the hardships of the civilian
population who are displaced and traumatised in the Wanni. We commend
the Government's plan to demarcate conflict free civilian spaces which
will enhance the safety of civilians.
"We are hopeful that the political leadership of the Government and
the Opposition will display political maturity and the highest standards
of statesmanship in this critical phase of our country's history". |