Local entrepreneurs raise concerns over UN Report

Wednesday, 29 June 2011 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), the vibrant forum of the new generation of entrepreneurs in the country, recently submitted a memorandum to the United Nations Secretary General, expressing their concerns over the contents and flaws in the much controversial Darusman Report.

The memorandum was handed over to Resident Coordinator of the UN in Colombo Tom Hockley.

Whilst recognising the solidarity between the UN and Sri Lanka, and the effort of the UN towards stabilising and strengthening peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka, this memorandum reflected the opinion of the members of COYLE on the UNSG’s Expert Panel Report and the false allegations contained therein with regard to the alleged violation of international humanitarian laws and human rights during the last stages of the armed conflict against the LTTE – the ruthless terrorist group.

It also highlighted the possible repercussions of the report as the Government of Sri Lanka and the private sector make concerted efforts to create business links with the rest of the world, highlighting the stability and friendliness of our country for investments.

“At a time when Sri Lanka is trying its best to reconcile and develop the country after a three-decade-long war, we as entrepreneurs are highly disturbed to note the false contents of the subject report, which would nullify our attempts in promoting and consolidating international relationships and business,” said COYLE Chairman Nayana Dehigama.

COYLE is of the opinion that publishing a document of recommendation on accountability with no proper and factual evidence will only tarnish the image of the country, sabotage the established process of recovery and stand in the way on the attempts to bring redress to war victims. This will also jeopardise the national reconciliation process and create internal administrative chaos and confusions while closing doors on entrepreneurs in bringing about economic prosperity to Sri Lanka.

Further it will defocus the Government’s post-conflict reconciliation efforts, including the resettlement of the rest of the internally displaced, socioeconomic reintegration of affected population and political resolution of the national issue.

Through this memorandum COYLE urged the UNSG, for the best interest of all communities in the country, to withdraw the so-called UNSG Expert Panel Report on Accountability and wholeheartedly support the current efforts of the Government so that it could evolve sustainable solutions for the issues the country is faced with at the moment.

Established in 1999, COYLE has a membership of over 125 active members who are leading entrepreneurs representing almost all the industry segments.