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| Sunday, 9 October 2005 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Strengthening business sector, NCCSL's main aim
by Surekha Galagoda The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) completes 50 years this year since its incorporation in 1955. Having commenced its activities in 1948, immediately after Sri Lanka gained independence, to look after the interests of the indigenous business community in an era when the trade was dominated by non-nationals, the Ceylon National Chamber of Commerce as it was then known, was incorporated in 1955. To mark this milestone a Golden Jubilee Celebration has been planned for October 14, .
This event will primarily focus towards the members and will be graced by leading personalities from the Corporate, Diplomatic and state sectors. Eminent business personalities will address the gathering and highlights of the event include the launch of the Golden Jubilee Edition of the NCCSL membership Directory, recognition of the 10 oldest member companies as well as the recognition of the contribution of the Past Presidents of the Chamber. At this ceremony, awards will also be presented to the longest serving employees of the Chamber. Speaking of this landmark event the current President Mrs.Nirmali Samaratunga who is also the first woman president to head a Trade Chamber, said this is an opportune occasion to highlight the contribution the National Chamber of Commerce has made to the progress of the business sector, and the social and economic development of the country as a whole, over the last five decades through its numerous initiatives. Mrs Samaratunga who is also the Co-Chairman/Jt. Managing Director of Mackwoods Limited, the second oldest mercantile organisation established in 1841 said that her main aim is to strengthen the business sector with particular focus on the needs of the membership. To achieve this, attention will be paid to building new linkages, enhancing the quality of information provided and training and skills development for staff and the members. We need to closely continue and engage the dialogue with the government promoting and protecting the interests of the private sector. In addition to supporting the 400 corporate members, the NCCSL has over the past several years focused on building the SME Sector which contributes 60% to the GDP. At present NCCSL has 2000 SME members through the formation of the Federation of Association of SMEs covering 15 districts. Our long term plan is to develop and upgrade these SMEs to enable them to integrate into the wider economy. This is being done through our SME unit as well as linking them with our corporate members. We have also established Business IT support centres in these districts. The main aim of this program is to build a strong and vibrant SME Sector. Speaking of the role of the Chamber today Mrs Samaratunga said Chambers
had been called upon to pay a greater role in the country, which has
necessitated them to interact with the government on policy matters relating
to the business sector. |
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