Sri Lanka’s top exporters and investors discuss current status of the country

As per the instructions of Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama, the Export Development Board organised a meeting with key exporters and investors on Friday 3 May at the 3rd Floor Auditorium to discuss the current situation of the country. 

Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrema, Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade Secretary S.T. Kodikara, Board of Investment Chairman Mangala P.B. Yapa, BOI Director General Champika Malalgoda, EDB Director General Jeevani Siriwardena, and the business community attended this occasion.

The Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade welcomed and thanked the participants for participating at short notice. The 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.  

The Minister stated that there are financial schemes already in operation under the ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ program 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 Tuli Cooray – JAAF, Anslem Perera – Tea Traders Association, Rohan Masakorala – SLAMERP/Hub Operators, Channa Weeratunga – Seafood Exporters Association, Ahasan Refai – SLGJA, Jeevan Gnanam – SLASSCOM, Nadee K. Algama – SLEMEA, Ruwan Waidyaratne – CASA, Shiham Marikkar – NCE, Sean Van Dort – Logistics, a senior officer representing the Joint Operational Command Office and relevant Government officials.