Commonwealth Business Council in Sri Lanka:

GL lays emphasis on harnessing youths’ entrepreneurial skills

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris observing that the thematic context of the Business Forum should have a direct bearing and relevance to Sri Lanka as the country emerges from the shadow of the terrorist conflict, encouraged a specific emphasis on the youth, particularly in rural areas, when he met Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) chairman Dr Mohan Kaul yesterday.

The delegation is in Sri Lanka to discuss preparatory arrangements for the CBF to be held with the overarching theme ‘Partnering for wealth creation and social development: the Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC’ in Colombo on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2013.

The launch for the Commonwealth Business Forum 2013 will be held under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s patronage.

Minister Peiris said the development of entrepreneurial skills and talents of the youths through training and access to employment opportunities, would enable social mobility.

He said while the educated and highly skilled Sri Lankan workforce was already a source of pride, enabling the youth to obtain the maximum benefit from such opportunities afforded by local and foreign investment and international business events, would further strengthen the reservoir of human resources in the country.

Referring to the discussion between the delegation from the Commonwealth Business Council and the Chambers of Commerce the previous day, Minister Peiris encouraged the active participation of the National Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the private sector at the Business Forum.

He said the participation of the two groups of interlocutors from the government and Trade Chambers would ensure a vibrant and successful event.

The minister was also of the view that non-Commonwealth countries, especially in the Indian Ocean region, should be invited for this Forum as it would be beneficial to all participants.

Minister Peiris said much primacy is being accorded to the Commonwealth Business Forum considering the economic benefit which could be accrued from this event.

The CBC delegation are on a seven day visit to the country to identify venues and make initial preparations for the event and will meet senior government officials and business leaders during their stay.