Experts to discuss Public-Private Partnerships

SL Economic Summit 2016:

'Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016,' organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has lined up a top panel of experts from the public and the private sectors to discuss opportunities for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The panel discussion, titled 'Private Public Partnerships - Getting Them Done, Getting Them Right,' will be conducted at session two of the summit which will be held on August 2 and 3 in Colombo. Deputy Minister of State Enterprises and Entrepreneurship, Eran Wickramarathne, Advisor to the Government of Rajasthan, India, Gajendra Haldea who once Headed the Secretariat for PPP and Infrastructure in the Planning Commission of India and Principal Investment Officer of the IFC, Kamal Dorabawila, who is responsible for its investments in energy and infrastructure in the South Asian region will deliver the keynote speeches at the session. Following the speeches, the trio will join President of the Transportation Group of John Keells Holdings PLC, Romesh David, and Chairman, TWCorp, Thilan Wijesinghe and sit at a panel discussion, moderated by Helani Galpaya, CEO, LIRNEasia, a pro-poor, pro-market think tank.

The session on PPPs is held in the backdrop of rising public spending of Sri Lanka, amidst low tax revenue. Experts says, PPPs are the best solution, the government can adopt to meet infrastructure and other needs. PPPs are now recognized for their ability meet public policy challenges with private sector solutions.

The Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016 is held under the title 'Focus. Act. Deliver' and is expected to attract over 400 executives.