‘One Village-One Export’ concept to boost rural economy - Prof. G.L.Peiris

The rural economy could be given a tremendous boost through the establishment of export-oriented agricultural zones and the implementation of ‘One Village-One Export’ concept which would primarily result in the increase of the export income of the country. Minister of Export Development and International Trade Prof. G.L. Peiris said at a meeting held in Kandy recently.

Steps are being taken to draw up plans in this regard to utilize monies allocated for this purpose, he added further at the opening ceremony of new office of the Central Province Export Chambers.

Speaking further, Prof. Peiris pointed out that Western Province had always stood in the forefront of the country’s export drive but the Central Province had the potential to be the engine of growth in the export sector given the availability of the infrastructure facilities, ability to efficiently implement export-oriented projects coupled with the enthusiasm of and encouragement rendered by the investors and businessmen of the area.

It also had a large pool of natural and human resources, but the Minister also said that nothing could be achieved unless an effort would be made and in this respect, he said that it was very important to forge a strong bond between the exporters based in the Central Province on one hand and the Ministry of Export Development and the Export Development Board on the other.

The Central Province Export Chambers was established with that view in mind and everyone involved could be happy that the whole task was accomplished within a short period of two months.

Prof. Peiris also said that several areas, such as identification of new export markets, expansion of the already-existing markets, establishment of export-oriented agricultural zones and the implementation of the ‘one village-one export’ concept would be given preference in the new year and the necessary funds too had already been allocated.

But he cautioned that funds alone would not be sufficient and stressed the need to have a planning mechanism that would be sensitive to the particular conditions existing in areas under consideration.

He also said that according to the latest Central Bank Reports, exports from Sri Lanka had increased by 6% up to last October while all imports had come down by 10%, which in turn, had resulted in an increase of income for the people and a corresponding decrease in expenditure.

He also said that several decisions had been taken with a view to distribute such increased income among the rural masses of the country.

Among the others who spoke at the occasion were Sarath Ekanayake, former Chief Minister, Central Provincial Council, Anil Koswatte, Chairman, Export Development Board and Kosala Wickremanayake, Chairman, Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industrial of Sri Lankan while Ms. Shirani Weerakoon, Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Central Provincial Council and Ms. Chandra Jayatunga, Director, Central Province Export Chambers delivered the welcome speech and the vote of thanks respectively.