National Chamber opens its auditorium complex

The new Auditorium complex of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka was ceremonially opened by President, Mahinda Rajapaksa on Tuesday, at D R Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10. A large gathering including Rishard Bathuideen, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Senior Government officials, prominent business leaders in the country and the members of National Chamber of Commerce of attended the event.

The new Auditorium complex consists of a fully equipped auditorium with modern facilities, a board room and an office for the Chamber President. The Auditorium is named as "Lotus Auditorium" which has a roof top garden that could be utilized for any business related function. The project was a result of a promise given by Asoka Hettigoda, President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka when he took over the Chamber leadership two years back. Addressing the gathering Hettigoda said that the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka was founded in 1948 to look after the local business community thereby promoting businesses with ultimate objective of developing the economy. However due to long years ethnic conflict which took many valuable lives and property, the expected economic growth could not be achieved.

Hettigoda thanked President for liberating the country from 30 year old conflict which has paved way for accelerated development of Sri Lanka. He further said that any Sri Lankan could now engage in their activities in a peaceful environment. Hettigoda further said that the peace and political freedom are the most important requirements for any country to develop its economy and thanks to the President both these requirements have now been fully achieved.

The policy laid down in Mahinda Chinthanaya which is now being implemented has started giving results. Self sufficiency in rice production, development of rural agriculture through program such as Divi Neguma, Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu, Gama Naguma and Maga Naguma has taken this country towards property. Steps taken by the Government towards improving exports, discouraging un-necessary imports and attracting foreign direct investments into the country are commendable.

Encouragement and the incentives given to the local business community through the recent budget will help economic development.

"The accelerated infrastructure development such as Airports, Sea Ports and Highways which are dire needs for the economic development has resulted in saving large amount of foreign exchange in the country," Hettigoda said.

National Chamber has taken many steps to support the Government in its economic development activities.

Conducting international exhibitions thereby promoting Sri Lankan products and tourism, exchanging business delegations and assisting the Small and Medium Enterprise development are some of the significant steps taken by the National Chamber towards country's economic development.

"The new Auditorium complex will be a point where entrepreneurs are created and attract foreign investors into Sri Lanka," he further said.