Business community commends eradication of terrorism
Lalin FERNANDOPULLE
The business community while expressing profound gratitude to
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the defence forces for the victory
achieved in the battlefront, said it is a great opportunity to rebuild
the economy of the country. Business leaders said that the end to the
three-decade war will boost the investor confidence and enable the
country to rebrand its image as one of the best destinations in the
region for investments.
Dian Gomes
Group Managing Director MAS Holdings, Dian Gomes said the biggest
hurdle has been cleared with the victory in the war and it is a time to
initiate mega development projects in the North and East.
“The private sector should play a leading role in the government’s
post war development program launched by the President to expedite
development in the country”, he said.
Dakshitha
Thalagodapitiya
CEO, Secretary General, Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri
Lanka, Dakshitha Thalagodapitiya, the construction industry in Sri Lanka
will be the biggest beneficiary of the battle victory because all
rehabilitation and reconstruction activities are linked to construction.
“Medium to long-term construction will be the prime driver of
development. Rebuilding damaged infrastructure and resettlement of IDPs
and creation of modern townships with common amenities are construction
linked”, he said.
Srilal
Miththapala
President, Tourists Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Srilal
Miththapala said the achievement of peace will have a positive impact on
the development of tourism in Sri Lanka.
“Foreign travel advisories will be relaxed and tourists will not fear
to visit the country. Stability in security will help rebuild confidence
and reposition the country as a prime tourist destination”, Miththapala
said.
Ariyaseela
Wickramanayake
Chairman, Pelwatte Dairy Corporation and Mouwbima Lanka Foundation,
Ariyaseela Wickramanayake said the European community wanted the war to
continue to achieve their ulterior motives.
“The victory is an opportunity to develop the local industries and
stop importing which will be a huge saving to the country.
The end of the war is an end to the dictates of the west”,
Wickramanayake said.
A.K.
Ratnarajah
Immediate Past Chairman, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, A.K.
Ratnarajah said it is a momentous time for the country to develop the
North East, the economy, social values, good governance and restore
democratic values.
“The President has the backing of the people and his development
program should be given collectively supported to achieve prosperity”,
Ratnarajah said.
Deputy Chairman, Acuity Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd., Ray Abeywardena said
the market performance during the first two days of the week following
the military victory is an indication of high investor sentiments and
confidence that the post war era will help achieve lasting peace and
prosperity. The market turnover for the two days was over Rs. 1 billion
with both indices performing remarkably well.
“Everyone should unite with a positive attitude to rebuild the nation
with an accelerated development program”, Abeywardena said.
