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By Sarath Malalasekera

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremeseinghe 's vision is to make the Year 2003 the year of employment for youth. To achieve this the assistance of all Trade Chambers is very essential, said Karu Jayasuriya, Minister of Power and Energy at the 44 Annual General Meeting of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka at the Trans Asia Hotel recently.

A program is planned for youth in particular next year for them to have a better future by securing skills, Minister Jayasuriya said.

Minister Jayasuriya was the Chief Guest at the AGM of NCCSL. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and Industries Minister Rohitha Bogollagama were the guests of honour. Minister Jayasuriya said that the Prime Minister and the Government are making every effort to put the country on the correct path. The year 2003 will be an eventful year with the ongoing peace process.

The creation of wealth will be in the hands of the people and the private sector.

The country has to go forward with a new political culture. The private sector has pledged to support the Government, this is very welcome news, the Minister said.

The Minister said it is the duty of the government to carry out governance in a transparent and accountable manner and produce the necessary climate for the growth of industry and commerce.

The Government has agreed in principle to set up an Export Development Bank to support growth and development including agriculture, he said.

The Minister said that peace in the North can never be achieved without consensus in the South. Therefore it will be the duty of all political parties to ensure that consensus is reached on matters of national interest. Prof. Peiris said that the NCCSL is the backbone of the country's economy. Do not leave everything in the hands of the Government. Civil society such as the NCCSL should also assist to develop the country.

Minister Peiris paid a tribute to the NCCSL for inviting him for the last, 43rd AGM of the NCCSL when he was out of power. It is a privilege to participate in the 44th AGM as a minister. Earlier the students used the computer to obtain skilled knowledge, It is sad to say that the present students used the computer to kill an undergraduate. 'We have to change this culture', the Minister added.

Industries Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that the NCCSL had done yeomen service to the country. All could be proud of the cooperation given to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by the Chamber to develop the country.

NCCSL President Chandra Embuldeniya and President elect Asoka de Z. Gunasekera also addressed the meeting, while Secretary of the Chamber Kandappa delivered the vote of thanks.

Several diplomats including the Ambassador for Norway participated.

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