Industrial policy must be futuristic - CNCI Chairman

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

Industrial policy must look to the future and create a fertile ground for hightech knowledge based industries, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries Chairman-elect Sunil Liyanage said.

Assuming duties at the Annual General Meeting last Friday at the CNCI Auditorium he said a compatible marriage between the policy makers in the Government and small, medium or large industrialists will spur progress.

Liyanage said the industrial sector will be given prominence and the Chamber as a voice of the industry will be expected to contribute effectively to the economic growth of Sri Lanka. Liyanage said any industry irrespective of its size will face competition.

“The dismantling of trade barriers and the formation of bi-lateral and multilateral Free Trade Agreements and the emergence of low cost producers enhances these threats. However, the functions of the chamber primarily would be to create and even playing field conducive to growth,” he said. “Sri Lanka is now looking forward to an era of peace and growth.

The Government as well as international investors must seize this opportunity to identify appropriate areas of investment and implement projects with time bound action plans,” he said. He hopes to voice member opinion on major issues like CEPA, taxation, labour and infrastructure.

The Chamber also will continue to work with the regional chambers and move forward with the ventures the Chamber has initiated and is involved in.