'Country on the threshold of a new era'

Harshini PERERA

The Government is committed to creating an environment that is more harmonious and conducive to private-sector growth, said Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. He was speaking at the Best Corporate Citizen Awards Ceremony 2009 organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo yesterday.

He said that Sri Lanka stands upon the threshold of a new era in its modern history. Today, Sri Lanka is poised to take-off economically, socially, culturally and, even, politically as Sri Lanka seeks means of advancing as a united nation. Attracting increased investment and remittances from overseas investors, expatriate Sri Lankans and migrant workers is a key component of the Government's approach in this connection.

"The current global economic crisis has shown us the need for strong legal and regulatory frameworks that enables oversight by the Government as well as encouraging self-policing by the business and financial world. We started conceptualizing and preparing a National Framework Proposal on the reintegration of ex-combatants into civilian life well before the end of the conflict in August last year because we need to adopt a holistic outlook and view the reintegration of these people into society, socially as well as economically," he said.

The Best Corporate Citizen's Award was initiated by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to identify effective companies that have shown their responsibility towards the society with various projects.

They are namely infrastructure, education and training, projects to assist the differently abled, projects in the North and the East and health and nutrition programs. At the same time this award program adds value to the companies and assists stakeholders and customers.