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Private sector companies should assist social activities - Prof. G.L. Peiris

The general feeling among people is that the main objective of most private sector companies is profit making. A further step should be taken to also correctly identify the needs of the present times and be duty-bound in assisting in the common welfare and serving the masses in the best possible way, Enterprise Development, Industrial policy and investment promotions Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said.

He was addressing a gathering at the Packing Plant at Colombo Port of Lanka Cement Ltd in view of LCL's re-commencement of production and donations of a consignment of cement to Naga Viharaya - Jaffna, Church of Our Lady of Madhu, Nallur Kovil and Mosque at Chavakachcheri. Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement of Refugees was the Guest of Honour at the occasion.

The Minister said that the government was concentrating on recommencing production activities of the KKS Cement Factory which had been shutdown for almost 20 years. Portland cement produced by the factory at that time was widely recognized. This factory was dormant for a long period due to the war that prevailed in the North. It has been possible to make it operative due to the prevalent atmosphere resulting from present peace process.

The peace process adopted by the government under the leadership of Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe has now cultivated positive thinking amongst other nations towards Sri Lanka. The government recently received aid to the tune of pound 8 million from the British government in addition to what had been promised. The governments of Japan and Sweden have come forward to help us. Well-known American Companies such as Caterpillar, Lockheed, General Electric and Japanese Companies such as Mitsubishi are willing to invest in Sri Lanka.

Tourist industry too is growing rapidly. It was decided at the Donors Group meeting held recently to grant aid without waiting for the end result of the peace process which is progressing step by step and systematically.

We cannot forever survive on foreign Aid alone but should have our own methods and ways too. Although in the past our main income earners were tea, rubber and coconut, this place has now been secured by the industrial sector. Therefore, the government has taken every measure towards the uplift of the industrial sector.

Minister Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena emphasised that Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris was the most dedicated minister in the program towards bringing in peace to the nation. Even as a minister in the PA government Prof. Peiris had worked in the forefront towards peace. Today, Minister Peiris is working closely with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as a peace operator. It is noted that there are political parties in this country provoking war. If one visits the North and East, the damage done could easily be witnessed. One Ministry alone cannot develop these areas. I express my gratitude and thanks and that of the people in the North, to the Minister and Lanka Cement Ltd. for having recognised the nation's need at this hour.

Chairman of Lanka Cement Ltd. Anil Koswatte, also spoke. 

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