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Sunday, 3 May 2015

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19th Amendment from a business point of view

National Chamber of Exporters:

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) welcomes the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution to improve democratic ideals.

The Chamber hails the crucial roles played by the President, Prime Minister and the Leaders of all political parties in arriving at a consensus, in spite of diverse views that prevailed initially, demonstrating their ultimate commitment towards democracy, which augurs well for the country.

The Chamber recognises the enactment of 19A, as a very important and a positive step, especially the inclusion of provisions related to repealing of the 18th Amendment, Constitutional Council, Independent Commissions, recognition of the right to information as a fundamental right of citizens. However, the Ceylon Chamber cautions that the Committee Stage Amendments to increase the number of Parliamentarians in the composition of the Constitutional Council has the potential to compromise its independence.

It believes, that the original clause would have served the interests of the country and its people better than the one on which the President, Prime Minister and the Government were finally forced to compromise on.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, an institution that has served the Nation for 176 years, is a confederation of 8,500 business entities, consisting of small and medium to large conglomerates, private and quoted and Sri Lankan and multinational and 21 Business Councils, 21 Trade Associations and 22 regional, sectoral and other Chambers. It is affiliated to over 120 international chambers worldwide and is recognised as the country's premier business chamber.


National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) congratulates the President, Prime Minister and all parliamentarians for passing the 19th Amendment despite the many obstacles. The Chamber welcomes the enactment of the 19th Amendment which puts Sri Lanka on the right road to democracy and signals the return of meaningful parliamentary democracy.

For a President who has completed the 100 days in office, it is an achievement of the highest order.

The National Chamber being one of the pioneering Chambers in the country providing a service to the business community for over 65 years is indeed proud over the passing of the much awaited and much debated 19th Amendment to the Constitution in the country.

The 19th Amendment is a victory for all communities and it will benefit not only the present generation but also generations to come. Sri Lankans can look forward to a vibrant period of democracy and good governance under the new enactment.


National Chamber of Exporters

The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), the only private sector chamber which exclusively serves the interests of Sri Lankan exporters, sincerely appreciates and commends the leadership provided by President Maithripala Sirisena in bringing together leaders of all political parties and other diverse groups, to reach a consensus to enact this crucial piece of legislation.

The Chamber also recognises the indispensable and important roles played by the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Leaders of all political parties, and other stake holders, particularly the Maha Sangha and civil society groups in supporting the President to achieve this landmark objective.

The Chamber applauds the sincerity and steadfastness of the President in driving this vital Amendment to fruition, which is indeed an endorsement of democracy and hence the revival of a friendly and progressive business environment to benefit all stakeholders of the economy.

The Chamber particularly recognises the importance of the 19th Amendment in setting up the Constitutional Council and through it, independent commissions such as the Public Service Commission, Police Commission, Audit Commission, Bribery or Corruption Commission, and the important Elections Commission, which will strengthen democracy, the rule of law and good governance, in the country.

Although the original intention before the Committee Stage Amendments was for the majority of the

Constitutional Council to consist of independent and competent persons of integrity, which would have been the ideal position, the fact that the Constitutional Council although consisting of a majority of parliamentarians, will still contain three independent members, is noteworthy, leaving room for further improvement in the structure in the future.

The Chamber hopes that the other proposed changes to the electoral structure and reforms through the 20th amendment, will receive the same cooperation, and support from all concerned to arrive at a sound consensus, to create genuine democracy and a society which is committed to equal opportunities for all citizens.

The Chamber believes the stage has now been firmly set for Sri Lanka to strengthen good governance through a multi-party Government, which will improve the business climate and attract local and foreign investment for sustained economic development.

It will also set up the platform for sustainable growth to create enhanced job opportunities, and a higher standard of living for all.

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