Minister G L Peiris addresses Chamber of Young
Entrepreneurs:
Policies need to match priorities
Sri Lanka is proud of the achievements of its young entrepreneurs who
have demonstrated that no challenge is too daunting for them to accept.
They have developed their capability and competitiveness, showing
remarkable initiative and relying on nothing other than their own
imagination and resourcefulness, External Affairs Minister G L Peiris,
said recently. He said this while addressing the 12th annual general
meeting of the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs at the Colombo
Hilton.
The Minister said that the Chamber was started with 17 members and
has expanded into 110 members today, progressing step by step over the
last twelve years. Prof. Peiris, in his address, identified several
important characteristics of the Chamber (COYLE).
The first is that the Chamber symbolizes the energy and resolve of
youth. The Minister made reference to the rule that members of COYLE
must leave the organization on attaining the age of 50 years. Youth have
a perspective of their own, and this has imparted a distinct dimension
to their work which has enriched Sri Lanka’s economy, he added.
The second feature, which has complemented the first, is their
emphasis on national culture and tradition. There is no universal model
for economic development and entrepreneurial success, and each country
has to evolve policies in keeping with the priorities and outlook of its
people. COYLE, while not being by any means averse to learning from the
positive experience of others, has always striven to adapt and modify
that experience to suit conditions in our own country, Prof. Peiris
emphasized.
COYLE, he continued, has consistently been forward looking, refusing
to regard any challenge as too difficult for them to meet. As a result
of their courage and perseverance they have reached the heights of
global success in such fields as apparel, tea, lubricants and ship
building, he said.
The outgoing President of COYLE W K H Wegapitiya, explained the
achievements of the Chamber during his period of office. |