Shed differences and achieve common goals - Wegapitiya

As Managers we should plan for the end result we want to achieve when we start on any new project and that we Sri Lankans have made the mistake of relying on politicians during the last 60 years since independence, said Chairman Laugfs Holdings W.K.H. Wegapitiya addressing a seminar themed beyond diverse challenges organised by The Management Club (TMC).

Wegapitiya said that millions of years ago there was only one landmass one continent on this planet earth called Pangaea which later broke into two parts Laurasia in the North and Gondwana in the south and that this continental drift which continued for a long period of time did not allow us a choice of skin colour, climatic conditions or natural resources that each section of the world and different countries were later bestowed with.

He indicated that all economists from Adam Smith onwards teach us the theory of a free market and the use of competitive advantage by nations and countries.

Wegapitiya described that factor endowments would most importantly decide on the economic condition of a nation and that cost leadership, differentiation and better labour orientation are some things that Sri Lanka can resort to in this aspect while also reminding us that we are strategically placed, in the centre of the shipping routes, a distinct advantage the country has over many others in the region.

Bringing back memories of his younger days Wegapitiya said that he remembered how ashamed people were when they were in debt to the village boutique, thus it was nothing to be proud when we get a big chunk of money as a loan from the IMF. He said that it was our inward directed attitude the Island mentality that is pegging us back and that it is shameful when we have to import canned fish from Chile while being surrounded by a beautiful ocean from all sides.

Wegaptiya was also critical of any one who would highlight the negative factors of Sri Lanka without concentrating and promoting the good side of things which we have aplenty. The Executive Chairman of Laugfs Holdings who is well known for the challenge he undertook to compete in an industry dominated by multinationals, was of the view that the impetus given to local companies to grow and develop their businesses is far from the satisfactory levels.

He also pointed out that the time required for a new business venture to start up operations in Sri Lanka was much more than in some other countries in the region and that this is something that the authorities should look into and improve.

He stressed that now is the time for all Sri Lankans to shed their lazy attitudes and come together as one nation irrespective of cast, creed, race, religion or political party and that nothing will be impossible to achieve if we all work towards a common set of goals for Sri Lanka as a country.

He said that any one should live their lives to the fullest, spread the message of love during their lifetime and be able to leave a legacy; the day one has to leave this world. Before he ended his interesting and thought provoking presentation, in all probability, in an unprecedented move at such a gathering, Wegapitiya requested all participants to rise from their seats in honour of the valiant soldiers who fought and won a decisive battle for Sri Lanka, and said that they were the people who deserved the bouquets for what we can achieve as a nation in the future, if we shed our differences.