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Equity and justice in economic development, a contributing factor for durable resolution - Prof. Peiris

"Creating more employment opportunities by rapid industrial development, ensuring Equity and Justice in the Economic Development and the well-being of all sectors of our people are some of the factors to be considered in striving for a durable resolution of the ethnic conflict, said Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Minister of Constitutional Affairs addressing the gathering as chief guest at the inauguration of the National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) of Sri Lanka held at Lanka Continental Hotel recently.

The NCPC is a joint effort by the UNIDO, SMED and the Ministry of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion. Minister Peiris said that long-term peace cannot be achieved in a vacuum. It takes its normal course of time with several other factors that go hand in hand that need to be considered for lasting peace. The Minister also made reference to the document handed over by Minister of Labour, Mahinda Samarasinghe to the Prime Minister which had the backing of the Norwegian Government setting certain parameters of economic development.

The Minister said that no matter what cultural backgrounds the people come from industry is a way forward and the linkages among different aspects of public policy need to be noted and ensured in pragmatic courses of action.

He said that in order to achieve what one has in mind, it is not necessary to plan grandeur schemes. It could be small but have level of perfection, for overall benefit. This was one concept that I had even when I served as Vice Chancellor of the Colombo University where the academic courses were concerned. The program on Mass Communication and International Relations are some of them and whilst the programs were successful there was opportunity to work closely with the University of Washington. This should also be the view of the government policy across a broader spectrum.

Minister Peiris said that his ministry is encouraging small programs modest in conception. The Cleaner Production Centre is one such concept and so are the Vasanthaya and Incubator Centre programs. There are some medium scale projects without even the basic facilities such as infrastructure, furniture and fittings. The Incubator Centre in this regard is of immense assistance to such entrepreneurs. All these aspects of projects should finally be linked with Sri Lanka's Macro-economic policies, said the minister.

He said that the cleaner production services would be linked with global technology. UNIDO has given their fullest cooperation to get this project off the ground and UNIDO has also assisted the ministry in numerous ways in the reconstruction efforts. UNIDO commenced this project in 1994 spreading over many countries such as Brussels and China to name a few. UNIDO has launched its 21st center in Sri Lanka. The minister emphasised on UNIDO's active participation in the development of Sri Lanka's economy.

With such medium and small scale programs Sri Lanka could be linked to other countries in the world. Sri Lanka is now strengthening its trade relations with India. Similarly Sri Lanka's delegation to USA headed by the minister had preliminary discussions with the American Government officials on a possible Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. They had even stated that Sri Lanka is the only country in South Asia that could be considered for an FTA with the USA. If this Agreement works out, it would be of great advantage to the apparel sector which employs around 1 million people and brings in 53% of the total export earnings to Sri Lanka.

In conclusion the minister thanked the UNIDO and the Norwegian Ambassador for their continued cooperation in the economic development of Sri Lanka.

The Norwegian Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Jon Westborg said that Sri Lanka first needs to establish peace in the country in order to develop the economy and provide employment opportunities to its citizens. Sri Lanka has very attractive and picturesque localities ideally suited for the tourist industry but the lakes, canals and rivers are polluted. This situation should be brought to minimum levels whilst protecting the industry and the program launched could be of immense service in creating a pollution free environment within Sri Lanka, said the Ambassador.

He conveyed the delight of the Norwegian government in assisting Sri Lanka in this regard.

Delivering the welcome address Mr. Nihal Abeysekera, Chairman of the SL Cleaner Production Centre said that this program would be of immense benefit and value for increasing production efficiency, reducing production costs, raising production standards, increasing profits, improving service quality, motivating staff, etc.

Minister of Industries, Rohitha Bogollagama, Mr. Clarence Smith, UNIDO Representative on Cleaner Production and Environment Management, Ambassador of Norway in Sri Lanka, Jon Westborg and Mr. T. Hewage, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources also addressed the gathering with Mr. Mackie Hasheem, President of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry delivering the vote of thanks. 

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