Survey of people’s pulse on Budget at FT forum today

A sample reflection of the people's pulse on the 2019 Budget will be made public today at the Daily FT-Colombo University MBA Alumni Association-organised post-Budget forum, starting at 9.45 a.m. at the Kings Court, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo.

The fastest growing market research company, PepperCube Consultants Ltd., has partnered with the Daily FT to conduct the nationwide poll on the 2019 Budget, which was presented by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

The poll, carried out province-wise last evening, assessed the public perception and reactions to the 2019 Budget, via several pertinent questions. 

The findings will be revealed at the first public post-Budget Forum today, with Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera as the Chief Guest.

Considered as the most sought-after post-Budget forum, and held for the seventh consecutive year, the event is backed by Standard Chartered Bank as strategic partner. 

The forum this year features the best mix of private sector leaders and professionals, providing a comprehensive viewpoint on the Budget, which many expect to be progressive, though 2019 is an election year.

Experts include John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra, speaking at a public forum for the first time since assuming duties as the head of Sri Lanka's premier blue chip; former Central Bank Deputy Governor and popular Daily FT columnist W.A. Wijewardena; Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC Managing Director and CEO Patrick McCloud, who will share insights from a multinational corporate perspective; and National Chamber of Exporters’ first woman President Ramya Weerakoon, who will comment from an exporter, SME, and woman entrepreneur perspective. 

Technical partner PwC’s Tax Advisory Director Charmaine Tillekeratne will analyse the 2019 Budget's fiscal and tax proposals among others, whilst Standard Chartered Bank CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri will be another panelist, providing key perspectives from a global bank with over a century of presence in Sri Lanka.

Finance Ministry Senior Advisor Mano Tittawela and Economic Advisor Deshal de Mel will join Minister Samaraweera. Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim will moderate the panel.