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| Sunday, 03 August 2003 |
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CCC calls for bipartisan approach to N-E conflict The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) Chairman Tilak De Zoysa called on the President and Prime Minister to have a bipartisan approach to solve the North-East conflict. The CCC is happy that the ceasefire has held for over 18 months despite setbacks, but it is a matter of great concern that despite several attempts to resume peace talks, they still have not succeeded. "We hope the latest proposals by the Government conveyed through the Norwegian government to the LTTE will result in restarting negotiations soon," he said. If the President and Prime Minister do not take a bipartisan approach to national issues, the consequences will be disastrous, De Zoysa warned. He made these comments at the CCC Annual General Meeting held recently. The Chamber will adopt the theme 'Regaining Sri Lanka' for this year, he said and urged business leaders to read and understand the 'Regaining Sri Lanka' document. He strongly reiterated the CCC's appeal to the Government to launch programmes to build awareness of the issues and recommendations in this document and to communicate the proposed reforms and the privatisation programme. De Zoysa said the way forward spelt in this document has been well received by the international donor community, which was aptly demonstrated at the Tokyo donor conference. The Chairman pointed out that several key social indicators have improved appreciably. The business morale is continuing to build up with the increase in consumer confidence and a resultant turnaround of the economy. This is reflected in the upsurge in the stock market with an over 80 per cent growth in the All Share Price Index and GDP growth of four per cent for 2002 and 5.4 per cent for the first quarter of this year, compared to a negative growth in 2001. The substantial downward trend in interest rates and inflation, the stabilising exchange rate and all round better corporate results further indicates the prudent economic policies pursued by the Government, the CCC chief said. The Chamber appreciated the passing of the Industrial Disputes Amendment Bill, Industrial Disputes Hearing and Determination of Proceedings Special Provision Bill and the Termination of Employment Special Provision Bill, "but we eagerly await the announcement of an acceptable compensation formula for which the Government has sought time till December 31, as it needs to be backed by an appropriate safety net to assist and train those adversely affected to make them re-employable," he said. De Zoysa added that existing enterprises should expand for new foreign and local investment to flow in once the entrepreneurs are certain of the compensation payable on termination of employment. He called upon the Government to consider the tariff levels of competitor countries and the obstacles faced by local industrialists when considering a further reduction in import tariffs. The Chamber reiterated its position that law and order are essential in the country not only to create a macro-environment conducive to economic growth, but to improve enforceability of contracts, transparency of transactions and efficiency of operations.It also commended the Government for initiating new laws such as the Fiscal Management Responsibility Act and for introducing several financial sector reforms and curtailing government expenditure. Director General, Private Sector Operations Department of the Asian Development Bank Robert Bestani, the chief guest on the occasion, said peace is coming to Sri Lanka at a fantastic time and assured that the ADB will do everything possible to help Sri Lanka grow. Meanwhile, at the AGM, the CCC unanimously re-elected Tilak de Zoysa as its Chairman for 2003/2004, Deva Rodrigo as Vice Chairman and Mahen Dayananda as Deputy Chairman. (SG) |
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