Local chambers welcome new president, cabinet; say prepared to help in governance reforms

Business chambers and industry chambers this week sent customary messages welcoming Sri Lanka’s new cabinet and president. Among the first to do so was the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce which extended its ‘ best wishes to Ranil Wickremasinghe, Prime Minister, the newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers, Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers’.

The chamber said it was encouraged that the President, Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers have committed to a 100- day programme of reforms to ensure good governance and extended its fullest cooperation towards this initiative.

“In addition to its focus on governance, the Ceylon Chamber urges the Government to take advantage of the prevailing positive environment to seek unity amongst our diverse communities. The Chamber encourages the Government to leverage the broad support and goodwill it has received not just from the electorate, but also from diverse political parties to bring about a lasting and durable peace based on a shared vision for the future of our country,” the statement said.

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) congratulated Maithripala Sirisena on his election as Executive President and noted that polling was concluded in a relatively peaceful manner, conducive to strengthening the democratic process.

“THASL notes with appreciation the commitment of the President to estab- lish good governance as highlighted in his manifesto which is strengthened by the appointment of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and subsequently the new cabinet.

Further, THASL views the results of the recently concluded election as a clarion call for unity and harmony amongst our communities and the need for a shared vision amongst them to ensure sustainable long term security and stability of the country. It also looks forward to the continued growth of tourism as a major contributor to economic growth under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena,” the premier tourism agency said.

Spice Council applauds new president

The Chairman and the committee of The Spice Council also congratulated the president and the new prime minister.

The council said it proposed to work with the new president and its administration in advancing the policies and to further develop the spice sector of Sri Lanka.

The spice sector plays a significant role on the contribution towards Sri Lanka’s national income on the exports, it said.

“The spices sector consists of more than 70 per cent smallholders and will offer the services to assist the government in implementing the agricultural policies for the spice sector,” it said.

The statement noted that with the growing demand for spices in the world and to take the industry forward, the Spice Council will be glad to contribute where necessary to the National Advisory Council that is to be set up.

“It is also glad to note that the new government is determined to take further steps in ensuring good governance, transparency and strengthening of inde-

pendent institutions,” it said.

Fulfil expectations of the people, Business Chamber says

The Business Chamber of Commerce said it is hopeful that the interim administration will take steps to effect a rapid development in all spheres of economic activity whilst taking measures to alleviate some of the grave problems that affected the masses.“We note that the new cabinet of Ministers, Ministers of state and Junior Ministers, is a fine blend of experienced and promising young politicians. The need of the hour is to meet the expectations of the people who have been under considerable stress, brought about by factors that were beyond their control,” the statement said.