'Rebuild our Sri Lanka'

First post-war confab on investment:

Sri Lanka's first post-war confab on investment in the regions, "BizPAct Invest in Sri Lanka symposium" has generated tremendous interest amongst members of the business community and those engaged in development of Sri Lanka both locally and internationally, manifesting evidence of the willingness of the local and international community to explore business development opportunities in the regions in the context of the post war climate.

The symposium will start on June 25 at the BMICH Colombo. It is organised by the Business for Peace Alliance, Sri Lanka's network of regional business chambers in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and big national level chambers of Commerce.

"BizPact offers members of the business community, local and foreign investors and individuals and organizations engaged in development a unique platform to "Rebuild our Sri Lanka" by developing trade and business links with Sri Lanka's Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in the peripheral regions of Sri Lanka. Since the number of participants who can be accommodated is limited, we urge those who are interested and have not yet registered to register now!" said Secretary General of the Business for Peace Alliance Manique Mendis.

Over 40 regional business leaders from the regional chambers of commerce throughout Sri Lanka will be at this event. Participants will be able to interact with them and gain insights into the ground situation in the regions. Participants can also network with 20 Sri Lankan diaspora from UK, USA, Australia, Germany and UAE who have answered the call of the President to the diaspora to join hands in rebuilding Sri Lanka.

A special feature will be the showcasing of 20 prescreened proposals for exciting joint venture business partnerships with the SMEs in the regions and another 30 business concepts with potential for expansion. A highlight of the symposium will be three interactive panel discussions geared to provide first hand information on trade and investment opportunities in specific areas.

The panels will focus on the North and the East, the South and Mannar, Moneragala and other parts of Sri Lanka.

The panels will be chaired by Group Director, Maharaja Organization Nimal Cooke, Director, Economic Affairs, SCOPP Rohantha Athukorala, and Past Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Deva Rodrigo.

Following the inaugural conference , participants can opt to join a regional cluster visit of their choice on June 26, 27 28. The cluster visits to South, Central, North Central or East will provide an opportunity for participants to meet the regional business community in the respective areas, visit business enterprises and discover the opportunities and challenges of business development in these areas.

The concluding conference will be at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo on June 29.

This includes a feedback session from the field visits and a Policymakers Forum providing participants an opportunity to confer with 10 high level policymakers including relevant Cabinet Ministers.