Defeat of terrorism accelerates development

The decisive defeat of terrorism now removes the factor which slowed down the country’s economic progress and makes it possible to harness Sri Lanka’s natural advantages and the creative energies of her people to accelerate development in the economic and social sectors, said Export Development and International Trade Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, addressing the plenary session of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Yokohama, Japan on Monday.

The unanimous adoption by the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry at its 23rd annual conference of the Council Resolution, to hold its next meeting in Colombo is an unmistakable indication of the confidence which the entire region has in Sri Lanka and the firm resolve of all the countries represented at this high profile international conference to participate fully in the opportunities now available for economic development in the country with the final defeat of terrorism, Minister Peiris said.

The conference was ceremonially inaugurated by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan and addressed by Japan’s Prime Minister Taro Aso. Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Hirofumi Nakasone, attended the meeting. Twenty six apex Chambers of Commerce and Industry representing the entire Asia-Pacific region, including Sri Lanka, Japan, India, Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iran, Thailand, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand participated in the proceedings.

Minister Peiris, while expressing appreciation of the Council’s decision to hold their Conference in 2010 in Colombo, said that their decision is entirely appropriate, since Sri Lanka is beginning a new and exciting period in its history.

Towards this end, the fullest involvement of the international community is exceedingly welcome and it is in this context that Sri Lanka finds especially encouraging the intense interest and support of countries of the Asia-Pacific region, he observed.

The Government of Sri Lanka looks forward to working closely with leaders of commerce and industry in the region to bring about an economic renaissance in the country, with the advent of durable peace.

The Minister referred to the vigorous association of Sri Lanka’s private sector with the Government’s development initiatives at this time. Professor Peiris commented that the ingredients sought by investors are present in full measure in Sri Lanka today.

The Minister emphasized the unique calibre of Sri Lanka’s human resources and the benefits conferred on investors by the Board of Investment.

Former Chairman of Aitken Spence & Co. Ltd. Prema Cooray made a detailed presentation to the conference. Particulars relating to investment in Sri Lanka in a variety of sectors were presented to the Conference by the Board of Investment.