As per the instructions of the Hon. Malik Samarawickrama, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Export Development Board organized a meeting with the key Exporters and Investors on Friday 03rd May 2019 at the 3rd Floor Auditorium to discuss the current situation of the country.
Hon. Malik Samarawickrema, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Mr. S.T. Kodikara, Secretary of the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, Mr. Mangala P.B. Yapa, Chairman of Board of Investment, Mrs. Champika Malalgoda, Director General, BOI and Mrs. Jeevani Siriwardena, Director General, EDB and the business community attended this occasion.
Hon. Minister of Development Strategies & International Trade welcomed and thanked the participants for participating at short notice. Minister briefed the current situation of the country and requested the Exporters and Investors to express their concerns and come up with suggestions to overcome the current issues.
Hon. Minister stated that there are financial schemes already in operation under the ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ programme and "Erambuma" Scheme for start-ups. Further, he stated that urgent measures are being taken to build up buyer confidence and Investor confidence. It was discussed to immediately take measure to rebuild confidence through diplomatic Missions and to provide financial assistance to be provided to mitigate losses, especially for SMEs.
It was also decided to form a Committee consisting of Exporters and Investors, representatives of Associations, Chambers, etc. to follow-up on the issues. This meeting will be convened by the Secretary, Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade. This Committee will comprise of Mr. Tuli Cooray – JAAF, Mr. Anslem Perera - Tea Traders Association, Mr. Rohan Masakorala - SLAMERP/Hub Operators, Mr. Channa Weeratunga – Seafood Exporters Association, Mr. Ahasan Refai – SLGJA, Mr. Jeevan Gnanam – SLASSCOM, Mrs. Nadee K. Algama – SLEMEA, Mr. Ruwan Waidyaratne – CASA, Mr. Shiham Marikkar – NCE, Mr. Sean Van Dort – Logistics, A senior officer representing the Joint Operational Command Office and relevant government officials.
