Archives

The 'Domestic Investors' Dialogue II' was organised by The UNDP Invest-in-Peace Project at the Trans Asia Hotel recently. The forum was a direct request by the Regional Chambers through which they could raise their opinions and needs that were expressed by them when they attended the first Domestic Investors' Dialogue held under the thematic banner of "Building Business and Peace in Sri Lanka's Regions" on October 22 and 23.

The 'Domestic Investors' Dialogue II' was an informal meeting bringing together 44 local business leaders from 15 Regional Chambers of Commerce around the island. The forum presented regional businessmen the opportunity to come in direct contact with the Colombo-based policy makers, enabling them to voice their opinions and suggestions towards the economic development of the country. It was a landmark event, giving both sides an opportunity to understand the others initiatives and perspective.

President of the Ampara District Chamber of Commerce Daya Gamage said "While the previous 'Domestic Investors' Dialogue addressed the same topics, this edition was a more interactive one, with the representatives being more vocal about their infrastructural needs and policy matters directly affecting their businesses. An important revelation, being the lack of communication between the relevant authorities and the regional business leaders."

Program Officer, UNDP Invest-in-Peace Project Russel Sunshine emphasized the important role that the local business community plays in the development and growth of any country. "This dialogue helped build a bridge between the key stakeholders and the Regional Chambers.

The event was also a step towards empowerment of Sri Lanka's regions' which play an unparalleled role in driving the growth engine of Sri Lanka", he said.

The second phase of the Domestic Investors' Dialogue addressed a range of topics from the Implementation of the Regaining Sri Lanka Document to receiving feedback from the Regional Chambers on sectoral action plans. Representatives from the Steering Committees of the Regaining Sri Lanka initiative addressed and interacted with the participants. The topics ranged from Infrastructure to Tourism, to Industry/Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to Agribusiness/Food Processing, to Fisheries during the first day.

The second day offered a facilitation of information to access affordable commercial credit, where the Regional Chambers were presented many schemes that Commercial and Specialized Commercial Banks have to offer to small and medium scale enterprises to start and sustain operations.

Dialogue presenters and panellists included, Upali Dahanayake, Director (Economic Infrastructure), Department of National Planning, Ministry of Policy Development and Implementation, Ms. Ruvini Fernando, RSL Tourism Steering Committee, Senaka Abeyratne CEO, National Agribusiness Council and Convenor, RSL Agribusiness Task Force, Dr. Damita de Zoysa Director - Agriculture, Department of National Planning,Daya Muthukumarane Chairman, National Fisheries Corporation and Convenor, RSL Fisheries Task Force, C. M. M. Chandrasekera, Director - Natural Recources and Environment, Department of National Planning, Palitha Gamage, Vice President for SME Coordinator - DFCC Bank, Indrajit Wickramasinghe, Chief Manager, Development Banking, Hatton National Bank and Ms. K.M. Wijetunge, Senior Assistant General Manager, Branches and Development Banking - Bank of Ceylon. The Ampara District Chamber of Commerce, Batticaloa District Chamber of Commerce, Central Province Women's Chamber of Small Industries and Commerce, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Central Province, Chamber of Small and Micro Industries - Jaffna, Galle District of Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce, Jaffna District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kalutara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Moneragala District Chamber of Commerce, Sabaragamuwa Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trincomalee District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vavuniya District Chamber of Commerce and industry, and The Yalpanam District Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated.

www.ceylincoproperties.com

STONE 'N' STRING

www.ppilk.com

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright © 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager