Global Commerce Excellence awards to boost business

The global commerce excellence awards and medals will be presented to selected categories of Sri Lankan entities and individual in a first time event, in parallel to the Governor's Challenge Trophy for global commerce excellence on December 13.

The Export Development Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the Shippers' Academy Colombo have been instrumental with the concept with guidance and technical assistance coming from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The criteria behind the awards and medals are to recognise the contribution made by the business community at large and those who supported global commerce in Sri Lanka during the past three decades since liberalising the economy.

The Sri Lankan economy had an average growth of 5% GDP whilst fighting the obstacles of brutal and deadly terrorism that was attempting to cripple the country until 2009.

The organising committee is of the view that while Sri Lanka is now moving to a new era with greater economic growth it is always good to remember the past and honour those who helped the country with dedication and commitment during the hard times in whatever way they could do.

Due to the resilience of the local entrepreneurs and organisations both in the public and the private sector, the country managed to beat all odds against terrorism and continued to keep the hopes alive for the past 30 years. This is a remarkable example to the world given the circumstances the country and its people faced.

Janaka Ratnayake, who is leading the apex body for exports, the Export Development Board (EDB) was of the view that Sri Lanka now should and could move forward at double the pace for the next 20 years lead by export development and to be a leading global commerce hub servicing the region.

He said these recognitions were timely as the EXPO 2012 event will also be held in the early part of 2012, where the EDB will attract large number of international participants to increase awareness of Sri Lanka's global commerce capabilities. He also said that the President has announced a very favourable budget for 2012 to boost exports.

SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama was also keen to emphasize that Sri Lanka will certainly be a key location in the 21st century maritime sector servicing the global commerce activities of Sri Lanka and the region.

He said that we are very keen to recognise the players who have played an important role in the past in our country as well as those who will play an important role in the future to expand the national economy through greater global commerce activity.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka who has endorsed the global commerce excellence awards and medals will be the key macro economic institution that will help balance the economic activity in Sri Lanka through its policy directions in managing stability and growth.