Controversial Darusman Report:

'No impact on business community'

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

'The controversial Darusman Report will not have any impact on the country's business community. If by any chance it happens it will be mainly the poor SME sector. National Chamber of Commerce Chairman Asoka Hettigoda said.

He was speaking at a press conference at the NCCSL yesterday to express NCCSL members' concern over the issue. He said the Chamber will not discuss the details of the issue. But it is the SME sector specially in the North and East that will suffer mainly in case there is any impact. The SMEs just started doing business after three decades of war with the support of the government and private sector.

'The Chamber also has done a number of activities such as making various representations in exhibitions and forums. The government has completed many development projects and foreign investors are attracted as a result. Large companies will support SMEs and in case of foreign investors lose confidence due to the report there will be an impact.

'Sri Lanka has gained eight percent growth despite many challenges and this is a time that we focus on 10 percent growth. Hettigoda said that the Chamber will always be there to safeguard the country's integrity and go along with the government to answer the business community.