Avenues for economic growth

FCCISL has important role to play:

Message from the former President Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka Kosala Wickramanayake for Annual Report 2009. First part of this article was published yesterday

We launched a number of important initiatives in 2009. The most ambitious among these is the Chamber-Network Engagement in Economic Rehabilitation (CHEER) project. This Rs 266 million project, which focuses on rehabilitation efforts in the North and East, is funded by the European Union. Our main partner in this initiative is the reputed INGO, Oxfam GB.

Kosala Wickramanayake

During the year, we also partnered with Oxfam GB on another humanitarian project. It entails us working together to reduce the vulnerability of civilians affected by the conflict. We will collaborate to reduce the risk of disease and improve the unsanitary conditions in the camps for internally displaced persons.

Training continued to be an important aspect of the Federation's activities. Our Chamber Academies upgraded the skills of entrepreneurs, employees and job seekers in various regions. They conducted a range of certificate and diploma courses that covered essential theoretical and practical knowledge.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Meanwhile, the Handwerk Centres - which we run in collaboration with the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka and Handwerkskammer Koblenz, Germany - were restructured as profit making entities. We also increased the intake of trainees to these centres, which have played a notable role in skills development. They have trained many individuals in construction industry-related fields such as masonry, building painting, carpentry, welding, electrical wiring and air-conditioning. Those who successfully completed their training have received locally and internationally recognized certificates. It is imperative that we enhance the expertise of our workers, so that they receive a higher pay here and abroad.

In 2009, the Federation organized the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year event for the 14th consecutive year. This event, which was designed to recognize, reward and motivate the country's entrepreneurs, was a great success. Aimed at promoting innovative entrepreneurship and good business practices, the Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year Award is the most prestigious honour bestowed for entrepreneurship in the country.

I believe that this awards scheme has done much to encourage our homegrown entrepreneurs. Some of them have transformed their businesses into textbook examples of success stories. They have been able to showcase their products internationally, and have become world-class players. We also continued to focus on the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We have for many years emphasized that the SME sector is the backbone of the national economy. Many SMEs have today become prominent players in business largely due to the advice and support extended by our Small and Medium Enterprise Development (SMED) division.

Peace building

Our Regional Chambers Sri Lanka (RCSL) program will certainly go a long way in empowering the SMEs. It aims to create a sustainable regional chamber movement that can cater to the changing needs of the private sector, particularly the numerous SMEs in the outstations. Key areas of the program are the development of organizational capacities and professional competencies, lobbying and policy advocacy, service development, income generation and peace building. It is pertinent to mention here that there is an imbalance between the development taking place in the Western Province and the other regions. This situation needs to be remedied if we are to avoid social instability. We must never again be confronted with the spectre of another youth uprising. The private sector needs to engage with the State authorities as well as international organizations and donors to ensure that development takes place more evenly in all areas. Multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) can also play an important role.

Restructuring program

Meanwhile, the Federation continues to follow a dynamic approach on international trade affairs. We have extensive international connections and have used them for the benefit of local businesses. Among our activities in this sphere are the facilitation of trade delegations and missions, trade promotion and the signing of MoUs with foreign chambers.

I must also mention our internal restructuring program, which commenced in August this year. I truly believe it will transform the Federation into a more vibrant, efficient and cost-effective organization. Our aim is to make all units self-sustaining and income generating, rather than relying on donor funds.

Since the Federation was established 37 years ago, it has accumulated much experience in all aspects of commerce and industry. If we take into account the collective knowledge and expertise of our member chambers as well, then this experience would be immense. Furthermore, we have always been in touch with the ground realities.

It is by acting as a forum for the expression of diverse views that we have been able to make informed decisions. This is why the Government always considers our opinions seriously when formulating policy. In fact, our recommendations are often incorporated into the budget. Over the years, we have built a strong rapport with influential Government officials in important institutions, including the Central Bank and the Treasury. Our Key Person's Forum - which was initiated to maintain a dialogue with senior decision makers - has proved very useful in this regard.

Vocational training projects

Looking ahead, I believe the Federation has to play a greater role in the development of market-oriented agricultural practices. This must be done with the objective of empowering the farmer as an entrepreneur in his own right. Such as initiative will ensure that consumers get a better product at a better price.

I also believe we must take a more proactive approach in rebuilding the lives shattered during the long drawn-out war. Our partnership with Oxfam GB to help the people of the North and East has proved very promising, but more needs to be done.

Ideally, our future efforts in these areas should focus on large-scale vocational training projects. This will enable the war-affected people, including the ex-LTTE combatants, to find sustainable employment and contribute to society as part of the new Sri Lanka. Such projects are imperative to build ethnic harmony and achieve a lasting peace.

We must also create a greater rapport between the business communities of the North and South, thereby facilitating trade links. This will not be a difficult task, for commerce speaks a common language and breaks through cultural barriers. In conclusion, I must state that the Federation will continue to remain a dynamic organization. With our professional approach, we will expand our scope, reach and influence to steer the growth of business. We will harness the inherent strengths and potential of our country.

I wish to thank the Board of Directors, the Executive Council and staff of the Federation for all the support extended to me. I must also acknowledge the contribution of our donors, whose assistance enabled us to implement our projects so successfully.