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| Sunday, 15 August 2004 |
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Work towards restoring old value systems, Sarvodaya leader tells private sector by Chanuka Mannapperuma The corporate sector should work towards bringing back the social practices and values,which were in existence more than 500 years ago Sarvodaya Chief Dr A.T Ariyaratne said. "Companies should play a key role in the social evolution and in guiding the society to good values," Dr Ariyaratne said at the 75th Anniversary of the Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC). The two-day symposium was held last week to mark the 75th anniversary of EFC,sponsored by ILO with co-sponsorship from several companies.It brought together key stakeholders to enhance CSR activities by the private sector. Speaking further Dr Ariyaratne urged the corporate sector to set aside 1% of their profits for social responsibility, emphasising that the private sector must bring about a positive change in society. Labour Relations and Foreign Employment Minister Athauda Senaviratne said that "companies should harness the process of globalisation better and make all its benefits available to all stakeholders". Companies should also adopt a set of values needed to face today's challenges",the Minister added. Chairman of the EFC V.Lintotawela said ,that over the past 75 years the EFC has played a significant role in not merely representing employer interests but in developing a culture of dialogue with the different social partners for sustainable and productive industrial relations and we have often been cited as a model to be emulated. The philosophy of dialogue initially espoused by our founders reflects a social conscience that has now become synonymous with the EFC.It is this very same social conscience that finds expression today in our organizing this conference on Corporate Social Responsibility. He said that the EFC today influences members and the employer community in general,regarding the importance of socially responsible conduct in achieving sustainable development in the global environment we live in today. He said that the book on CSR written by Sriyan de Silva and Franklyn Ameresinghe,both of whom had illustrious careers with the EFC and later the ILO will be the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and will stimulate sufficient thinking for a constructive and productive symposium and follow-up action thereafter," he added. |
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