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| Thursday, 22 January 2004 |
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SLFP, JVP alliance: Sound economic policy our only interest, say top business leaders Despite the JBiz prophets of gloom and doom there were a number of businessmen who said that the President's take over of three ministries had no impact on trade and expressed the view that there were strong signals in the SLFP-JVP MoU that were beneficial for the business community. The historic agreement was signed on Tuesday to form a national alliance for the long-term well-being of the nation has drawn the attention of the country's business community. The alliance assured that they will promote an economy which will give pride of place to local farmers, entrepreneurs and industrialists. The newly formed alliance is looking forward to maximise foreign capital investment and open the country to global economic progress. The SLFP-JVP alliance appealed to all patriotic local industrialists and businessmen to help them to rebuild the country. Following are some of the comments made by leading business personalities on the SLFP-JVP alliance and how it could affect the country's economy. An official of the Galle Chamber of Commerce said that the pact would strive to provide benefits especially for the working class. The JVP had been always moving with the masses and they would help safeguard the rights of the working class. He said that the employees and employers of the Koggala Free Trade Zone have also praised the alliance. A few businessmen in Colombo who are putting self and business before country may criticise this pact for personal gains. "This is the right 'check and balance' combination for the economy to move forward," he said. Sales and Marketing Director of Richard Pieris Exports Sunil Peiris said that the JVP alliance with the UNF government or SLFP is immaterial but it has to be stable. What we have seen in the political forum during the last two decades was absolute instability in the country which has created doubts not only among the business community but also among the rest of the people. On the other hand the more we become unstable in the south the greater the opportunities of expansion for the north to achieve their objectives. Therefore the country is really in need of a dynamic and stable leadership. Meanwhile, a number of top business people in the garment, construction, food industry and shipping refused to comment on the issue. Managing Director, Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka Kishu Gomes It does not matter which political party takes office-all that are needed is sound economic policies for the progress of the country. In order to achieve that there should be political stability in the country. We do not look forward to any tug-of-war between political parties. All parties should get together and work for the progress of the country and make Sri Lanka a leading country in the region the foremost task of the SLFP-JVP alliance is to build confidence among the business community. Therefore, the new alliance should work out a clear economic policy and educate the private sector on their short and long term plans for the development of the country. Without having a clear framework it would be difficult for the newly formed alliance to win the confidence of the business community. While other countries in the region are handling global situations Sri Lanka is still grappling with local issues. It's a pathetic situation. President of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) Rangith Hettiarachchi said that the CNCI has called its members for an emergency meeting today to discuss the present political situation in the country and observations of the chamber will be conveyed to the public following the discussion. Nijaj de Mel, President Tea Association Sri Lanka Whatever government comes into power it should not make changes to the policies for the tea industry. If they are looking forward to any changes they should consult the experts in the industry. Political parties should not make the tea industry a playing field for their political campaigns. On behalf of the tea industry the TASL requests all political parties to avoid implementing any negative policies for the tea industry. Allow the tea industry to function as it is. The tea industry has the potential to improve during the next two decades. Not only the tea industry for every sector in the economy politicians should not make changes to gain political advantages unless it is beneficial to the industry and the country. The business community does not want political influence to harm the economy. Several business leaders of the Joint Business Forum (JBiz) refused to comment saying that until they study the contents of the agreement between the SLFP and JVP it would be premature to comment. A special JBiz meeting will be held this week to discuss the country's political situation further. |
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