FCCISL launches action plan to lobby on issues identified at RCLS and KPFs

Strengthening the inter relations among the regional chambers plays a significant role in achieving the primary goal of the chamber movement in Sri Lanka, which is creating an enabling a conducive business environment, and developing and promoting a stable national and regional economy. The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) has undertaken various interventions to strengthen the regional chambers spread over the island, develop wider networks and integrate chambers with each other.

After a successful completion of the Regional Chamber Leaders Summit (RCLS) held in October last year with the participation of FCCISL regional chamber members and national bodies, the follow up meeting was held on 23 January at The Sovereign Hotel, Rajagiriya to develop a lobbying and advocacy strategy and plan for 2013 to successful lobby for the identified issues at the summit.

After the follow up meeting was held from morning to afternoon, the networking session took place in the evening. Kumar Mallimaratchi, President, FCCISL addressing the chamber presidents briefed them about the five Key Persons Forums held in various regions. He elaborated on the need of collective action and made a request to work out a strategy for lobbying and to be practical when trying to arrive at solutions for the identified issues.

The President of the RCLS M. Pathahulla also addressed the chamber leaders. Nalin Attygalle, SG/CEO, FCCISL, stated that an enormous amount of experience has gone to the chamber movement and that they are yet to explore the power and true potential of chambers. He also noted that the success factors of the chambers were one voice, unity and teamwork. He also emphasised the fact that for chambers, working alone is not very sustainable in the long run.

The recently held Regional Chamber Leader Summit was successfully concluded with the participation of regional chamber presidents in Colombo last year with the support of the Asia Foundation and AusAID. At the summit, common business issues faced by regional business communities were identified by the regional chamber presidents and categorised into seven main areas. A summit declaration has been finalised and signed by all regional chamber leaders and has already been submitted by the FCCISL to the relevant ministries and other authorities for their consideration and active involvement.  

At the follow up meeting, many regional policy advocacy issues identified during the Regional Key Person Forums (KPF) held in Bandarawela, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Galle and Kandy with the participation of ministers Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Patali Champika Ranawaka, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana, Dr. Sarath Amunugama and Rishad Bathiudeen.

The categorisation of issues and finalisation of the responsibilities of the advocacy committees, developing action plans for advocacy committees to lobby identified issues with relevant decision and policymakers, discussions on 2013’s schedules of district enterprise forums were part of the agenda.

Seven sub committees were formed in the areas of credit facilities, duty structure and taxation, road network and transport, energy and electricity/technology, water management, law and order/business registration and PPPs at regional level and enterprise development services, waste management, and agri business. An activity schedule of each identified subject area includes gathering of all the data and information relevant to the issues, analysis of the data and information gathered, formulating solutions and making recommendations, preparing presentations, arriving at possible agreements and following up accordingly.