FCCISL honours 23 Back to Business volunteers from the North and East

FELICITATION: The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), in association with the Reconstruction and Development Authority (RADA) will recognise 23 volunteers from the North and Eastern provinces for their contribution in the post tsunami rehabilitation effort.

"The private sector and private individuals played a pivotal role in the post tsunami recovery and rehabilitation phase. It is important to recognize these individuals for their compassions and leadership," FCCISL President Nawaz Rajabdeen said.

The 'Punarodaye Niyamuwo programme will award those who have made outstanding contributions to the livelihood recovery and economic rehabilitation in these regions.

It also recognises volunteers for their invaluable contribution towards rebuilding the regional economy through the FCCISL Back to Business Project.

Ampara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) representative Daya D. K. Gamage, Batticaloa District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BDCCI) representative Kandiah Ilankovan and Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Trincomalee District (CCITD) Ramanathapillai Ravichandra Mohan have been selected as the most outstanding volunteers from these regions.

"There was an urgent need for the private sector to get involved with the relief effort and the long term rehabilitation drive.

Some of us recognised this need and took the initiative to participate with the aid of the regional chambers under the FCCISL," Maruthamunai Development Company (People's) Ltd proprietor Abdul Rahman Abdul Azeez said.

He will be recognised at the award ceremony for establishing a Disaster Management Centre at The FCCISL Back to Business project kicked off in March 2005, with the aim of rehabilitating 10,000 tsunami affected Small and Medium Enterprises, while creating 50,000 employment opportunities in three years.

It has managed to achieve over 111% of its objectives within 53% of the time by rehabilitating over 11,110 businesses and creating over 35,000 employment opportunities.

The Royal Netherlands Government is the principal donor for the market linkages initiative under the FCCISL Back to Business Project.