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| Sunday, 23 October 2005 |
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Trade chambers hail PM's manifesto by Surekha Galagoda The UPFA manifesto presented last week by premier Mahinda Rajapakse for the forthcoming presidential election has addressed all vital sectors. The trade chambers while welcoming the manifesto said that it is an ambitious program. President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka (FCCISL) Nawaz Rajabdeen said that more than a manifesto it's Premier Mahinda Rajapakse's vision for Mother Lanka. It is a very industrial- friendly vision but it is an ambitious program. Therefore if he can implement 25% of the program we are on the road to development. He said that successive governments have given good opportunities to attract FDI into the country mainly to provide employment and have paid very little attention to the SMEs, the backbone of the country. However, the Mahinda Chinthana has given SMEs, its due place for the first time since independence. Also if the same incentives are given to rural entrepreneurs the monitoring can be done through the chambers and everybody will have a job closer to their homes. The manifesto has addressed all sectors including power, transport, agriculture, education and industry which is welcome. It is focused and therefore if it is implemented carefully we can achieve the desired development and it will make a revolutionary change in development, Rajabdeen said. President, Sri Lanka Fruits and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association Sarath de Silva said the manifesto is good and the proposals should be implemented. In the past there were difficulties in implementing the manifestos due to the conditions in the country. In the given circumstances the premier has tried his best to give a manifesto catering to all sections of society. In the event peace can be achieved the economy can be improved, but he will need the support of everybody to implement it. President, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) Nirmali Samaratunga said that as a policy document the manifesto is very commendable as it has correctly addressed the issues which needed attention such as peace, economy,discipline and the future of the young. She said that improving SMEs is vital as it will help the rural folk which in turn will help to bridge the poverty gap. The manifesto has also addressed the vital issue of infrastructure. Chairman, JBIZ Kingsley Bernard said the manifesto is more public sector oriented while too much welfare measures have been spelt out. He said that SMEs alone cannot achieve the desired growth rate and therefore local and international businesses have to be encouraged to achieve the desired growth rate of 8%. Chairman, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries Nimal Perera said the manifesto has identified all problems in every sector. However, in some instances the details have not been spelt out such as the setting up of 300 factories. It does not say what type of factories and whether it involves the private sector. He said once the infrastructure facilities are in place and the environment is conducive investors will want to invest. The vital issues of power and transport have been addressed and once the projects are implemented achieving the required growth rates will not be impossible. Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Deva Rodrigo said that most of the proposals are unrealistic and the method of funding has not been spelt out. |
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