NCC has a vital role to play, says Karu

"The country is five years behind from what it should be but we still need to come to the point before it is too late.

We have won a second opportunity for the country and now it is time to rectify the situation," Public Administration, Buddha Sasana, Democratic Governance Minister Karu Jayasuriya told a gathering at the 56th Annual General Meeting of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka recently.

He said 'We have come to correct the wrongs. That's our thrust. Wrong-doings will be investigated and wrongdoers will be brought to book.

We will change the Constitution in an accountable and transparent manner.

We will check the institutional arrangements so that wrongdoers will have no room for a free run. We have a unique opportunity to create a better and effective system of governance for which we need the support of everyone.

"Good governance is not confined to governments alone. The business community is governed by corporate good governance which should be affirmed through actions and not rhetoric. Sri Lanka is a resilient country which has overcome many challenges for over 40 years.

That's how we ended the war. Everyone wants law and order and good governance for which everyone must chip in and not sit back and watch", the minister said. Jayasuriya, a former president of the National Chamber of Commerce and a businessman said that the chamber has a vital role to play in promoting business ethics and good governance vital to better results.

The government will make many things happen again with major undertakings and visionary projects within a framework of democracy and good governance.

We will respect the voice of the business community. We will not stifle or intimidate it. Let us nurture freedom, enterprise, business, employment and good business conduct. The National Chamber of Commerce set up in 1950 has played a key role in promoting international trade with a focus on developing the small and medium sector enterprises which account for around 70 percent of the business enterprises in the country.

Jayasuriya said that he was convinced of a better tomorrow due to the immense talent in the country.

We have innovative minds and enterprising people who could make a vital contribution to the economy. This country does not belong to politicians. It belongs to people who have a major role to play.

The 100-day program of the new government was well received by the parliament.

We will introduce the Freedom of Information Act. The provision for the 17th Amendment will be introduced to depoliticise the system, ensure transparency and good governance. We will ensure the rule of law and that the judiciary is not tampered with.

'When we dissolve the parliament on April 24 people will be happy to live in a country that is democratic", the minister said.

- LF