Sri Lanka’s busines community condem attacks, urges calm

An outpouring of grief, anger and bitterness tinged with a call for calm, unity and peace was evident this week as several business chambers and associations expressed their views and concern in the aftermath of probably, Sri Lanka’s worst single-most terrorist attack.

Several chambers of commerce, including Sri Lanka’s main Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in a joint statement last Sunday said it was “shocked and deeply saddened by the multiple explosions that occurred this morning”.

Seven chambers, in the joint statement, strongly condemned the attacks and said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by the explosions.” It urged the authorities to maintain law and order and call for speedy action to investigate and bring the perpetrators before the law. “It is vital at this point that the nation stands united and not be misled by unverified reports/ information. We call upon all Sri Lankans to act in a responsible manner and assist the authorities to restore normalcy,” the statement said.

Joining these business chambers who expressed concern, the National Chamber of Commerce strongly condemned the attacks on religious locations, and hotels that are connected more with businesses.

“We urge the authorities for a speedy investigation to the matter and have law and order in place without allowing other groups to take advantage of the situation. The entire country should be united at this moment and support the authorities to maintain law and order,” it said.

Women’s chamber

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce on Tuesday urged all Sri Lankans to stand united, to act responsibly and to support all authorities to restore law and order in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday atrocities.

“As women entrepreneurs and professionals, we condemn this senseless act and condole with everyone who was impacted. We feel the agony it has caused to the families of those who suffered, directly and indirectly, both local and foreign nationals. It is extremely disheartening to note that the fundamental rights of the nation, the right to safety, have been taken away from us ruthlessly. The impact this will have, on the economy in the near future will be unmeasurable,” said Chamber Chairperson Chathuri Ranasinghe in a media statement.

She said that on behalf of the members of their organisation, the chamber was committed to supporting all initiatives that are taken nationally to support those who were impacted. “Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, all others affected and for our country Sri Lanka,” the statement said.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka also strongly condemned the attacks while extending its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected. “We stand united with our fellow Sri Lankans and look to our leaders and the authorities concerned to swiftly enforce law and order whilst upholding the principles of democracy and the stability of the nation,” it said.

SLASSCOM says

The Sri Lanka Association of Services Companies ( SLASSC expressing shock and sadness, sai dent that the authorities will mai order, investigate and bring these before the law. “It is vital at this nation stands united and not be mi fied reports/ information. We cal Lankans to act in a responsible assist the authorities to restore n association said thanking memb who provided uninterrupted serv port to global clients.

Members of the Sri Lan Community, a group of industry said on Tuesday they were traumat ly saddened with the recent attack try.

“Many of us have spent our form the shadows of a 30- year long scarred our lives forever. Some o ones, some were harmed and all of the constant fear of paying the ult a crime that we did not commit. ended in 2009, we faced a diverse se in our lovely island nation. Thankf was not one of those challenges. Th April 21. Once again, we are forc state of terror because a small gr decided that intimidation throug the way to resolve problems,” the media statement.

It said the Sri Lanka Start-up C vibrant group of hard-working pe been building entrepreneurial ven Sri Lanka forward, economically. ferent languages, wear different c from different places, worship diffe some no God at all. The one thing together is our country. As a group aspire to do great things and we dr ishing Sri Lanka,” it said.

The group vehemently cond attacks and urged the relevant auth all necessary actions immediatel situation under control.

“In this difficult time, we reques