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| Friday, 9 April 2004 |
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The J-biz which was severely critical of the Freedom Alliance Economic policies in the run up to the General Election has thrown in its lot with the new government after the resounding victory of the Freedom Alliance. It has expressed unstinted support to the government to develop the economy of the country via a consensual approach. President of the Joint Business Forum (J-Biz) Mahendra Amarasuriya said that the business community would extend their fullest support to achieve the economic and other aspirations of the new Government "as the success of the economic and social development lies in a joint effort between the Government and the private sector". Chairman of Ceylinco Consolidated Lalith Kothalawela noting that the UPFA was setting up a new economic order to revive the SME and SMI sectors of the country extended his fullest cooperation to the new Government's endeavour to develop the economy from the bottom approaches. Issuing a statement, J-biz says it wishes to record its appreciation and thanks to all those involved in ensuring the completion of what is reported to be the most free and fair election in the recent history of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the Colombo Stock Market (CSE) picked up on Wednesday with the expectation of the UPFA taking the peace process forward and addressing other fundamental issues. In addition, the local Small and medium sector yesterday saluted the new Government for having placed its fullest confidence in the local agricultural and local Industrial sectors in preference to foreign investments and foreign aid. J-Biz notes that the people have expressed their mandate clearly and despite not acquiring a majority in Parliament, the UPFA will form the next government. J-biz also wishes to convey to the government that priority areas for action are: The peace process; The economy; Bribery & Corruption and Infrastructure Development. "We have no doubt that the President and the new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse will take early steps to revive the peace talks with the LTTE and attempt to ensure that progress is made towards achieving peace which is acceptable to all communities living in the country," the statement added. It says immediate steps should be taken to appoint the third member to the Bribery Commission and the Commission strengthened and activated to inquire into all allegations of bribery & corruption against individuals irrespective of the party to which they belong. The J-biz is of the view that the private sector has a very important and vital role to play in all aspects of the development of the country, not merely, restricted to the development of their own businesses. The J-BIZ looks forward to establishing a strong Private Sector-Government relationship which will be beneficial to the country as a whole. |
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