NCE denounces extremism in all forms, suggests measures to overcome current tragedy

The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) issued the following statement on the Easter Sunday attacks:

“The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), the only private sector chamber which exclusively serves direct and indirect exporters in all fields, and also represents them, has denounced in one voice the extremist and barbaric acts of a group of terrorists, which has shaken the conscience of all communities. 

In this hour of grief of the people of our country, the chamber sympathiszes with those who have lost their loved ones, and offers prayers for the speedy recovery of all those who have suffered injuries, and losses in one form or other. 

“The chamber is pleased with the efficiency and competency of Sri Lankan exporters who overcame all obstacles for 26 years up to 2009 as a result of a much more cruel civil war based on ‘terrorism’ to achieve objectives shows their resilience. During this time Sri Lankan exporters proved to their buyers overseas, their capabilities, winning their confidence with uninterrupted supplies of quality goods and services, maintaining sustainability of their businesses. Thereafter with the dawn of peace in 2009 the country was back on track with a very positive outlook based on international trade for economic development. 

“At the same time the chamber has regularly drawn the attention of policy makers, and other responsible authorities of the Government to the ad-hoc decisions taken regarding policy matters which adversely affected the exporter community in their quest for speedy development of their businesses for national benefit, although the Government engaged the private sector in open dialogue in many instances, which led to the offer of favourable solutions to the problems they faced. 

“The Chamber states that, even during the 26-year conflict, Sri Lankan exporters did their best to earn the much-needed foreign exchange for the country by winning over, and maintaining the confidence of overseas buyers, reaching an export target of $ 17 b last year. In order to do so, it is well known that the business community engaged in immense hard work to build a strong foundation for their businesses, to achieve the export targets of the country. In this context most of the member exporters had informed the chamber that their business development plans, research, and development efforts, as well as marketing, and promotional activities had been financed themselves. They had also engaged in ethical business practices and good governance, amidst many difficulties, to ensure sustainability, and remain competitive in a price and quality conscious business world.

“However, the unforeseen tragic incidents that have occurred has been a set back to their businesses. Further, these incidents have not only caused much pain and grief to the people at large, but has created a bad image, and security concerns for the country, with a negative impact on most export led enterprises. Our exporters which overcame a much more tragic war over 26 year period, is ready to take the challenge, but urges the Government, and all those responsible for security related issues to not take things lightly anymore or for granted, under any circumstances, by responding to any type of cautioning by the Intelligence arms of the State, by promptly responding with precautionary measures, since there is no purpose in blaming each other, as happens now, after a tragedy has taken place. 

“In the above context member exporters of the chamber have also expressed their severe concerns regarding the delayed responses of the responsible Government agencies in regard to the incidents that took place, even as late as 23 April, to promptly make known to the public the motives behind the terrorist attacks, to obviate the spread of false information by interested groups with ulterior motives, thereby creating further issues for the peace-loving people.

“The chamber states that since the tragedy, many buyers of member exporters have enquired from them regarding the stability of the country, and the sustainability of their businesses, since they fear that delayed supplies due to disruptions could adversely affect their supply chains, because they could possibly source similar products from other suppliers in neighbouring countries. 

“In the above background the chamber urgently requests the Government to engage the private sector to implement an aggressive program, to speedily rebuild the marred image of the country, and business confidence. In this context the chamber also suggests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should promptly engage the Sri Lankan missions overseas to organise and implement promotional events to clear any doubts that buyers may have, to maintain their confidence to continue in business with Sri Lankan enterprises. 

“The Chamber has delayed implementation of a scheduled Business Delegation to NORDIC countries temporarily, until the dust settles down. Meanwhile the Government is urged to play a much more responsible, and active role related to security measures that are put in place in the country, while the Public are requested to support the law enforcing authorities to implement all such security measures.

The chamber also advises the business community to make certain that all their contingency plans are updated to deal with any unforeseen situations. 

“Member exporters of the chamber while sympathising with the loved ones of victims of the recent tragic incidents, wishes those who were injured speedy recovery, assures the State authorities their fullest cooperation to prevent future incidents of this nature. At the same time, the chamber specially assures all foreign overseas buyers that Sri Lankan exporters who overcame a much more tragic terrorism based civil war, will continue with their business activities uninterrupted with assured sustainability to face any future challenges.”