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| Sunday, 16 March 2003 |
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Kotelawala heads Economic Development Commissions by Elmo Leonard Ceylinco Group Chairman Lalith Kotelawala has been appointed Chairman of the North Western and Central Economic Development Commissions. Kotelawala wants to begin developing the economies of these regions from their roots. He would start by rebuilding village tanks needed for agricultural irrigation. He would buy the produce of farmers, including rice, and assist in finding markets for them in other parts of the island. Produce which could be exported would receive appropriate attention. Foreign investments to the country would be on the basis of the benefits they would bring to the country. Industrialists who wish to come in, so that they would be the sole beneficiary from their operations here, would be kept out. Seven industrialists have already expressed interest in opening units here, he said. Small and medium scale industries would be encouraged, and venture capital companies set up. Answering questions, Kotelawala said that he would not depend on government funds, which in any case would be limited. He would instead find local and foreign funding. Human resources in these areas would be developed. With 80 per cent of the housemaids working overseas coming from the North-West and Central regions, training schools would be set up to benefit them. Carpenters, masons and other skilled labour would also be trained. They would thus be able to find employment overseas. Mickey Wickramasinghe, head of Munchee Biscuits, was appointed Chairman of the Southern Economic Development Commission. |
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