External challenges spurred on government - President

Chaminda Perera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday that the UPFA government became stronger in the face of local and foreign challenges.

He said that the experience obtained by the government in facing such challenges effectively helped accelerate the development process of the country. Speaking at the opening of the new building complex of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka at Malalasekera Mawatha Colombo 07 yesterday, President Rajapaksa noted that the government succeeded in its fight against domestic and overseas forces whose motive was to stall the country's economic growth.

The President also said that the government was able to eradicate terrorism successfully. He added that the Government led by him is committed to uplift the country's economy and is not prepared to allow the economy to suffer in the face of challenges.

"The country is witnessing rapid development and Foreign investment is also on the increase", he added. President Rajapaksa said that his government encourages increased foreign investments in the country.

He noted that the accountants should have better understanding of the government's economic development drive.

The President said that the accountants who provide financial information to investors and the businessmen should have a comprehensive knowledge of the government's economic development policy.

He noted that the contribution of accountants is vital in the Government's quest to turn Sri Lanka into a commercial hub.

The President added that foreign investments in Sri Lanka was on an upward trend and the Government is taking every possible step to imcrease foreign investments.

The Institute should provide a better service to its members and students. Over 4300 accountants have been offered membership of the Institute and a total of 37,000 students undergo courses at the institute.

Cooperative and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivaard Cabral, Parliamentarian A.H.M. Azwer, Uditha Lokubandara, Ravi Karunanayake were present. President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka Sujeewa Rajapaksa also spoke.