President calls on private sector to support national relief and recovery efforts

Monday, 1 December 2025 04:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday underscored the vital role of the business community in supporting both immediate relief operations and the broader program to restore normalcy following the severe weather conditions affecting the country.

The President made these remarks during a meeting with The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce at the Defence Headquarters, where he briefed leading private sector representatives on the current national situation and the extensive rescue and relief measures underway.

Dissanayake highlighted areas in which the business sector could extend assistance, noting that coordinated public-private collaboration would be crucial in accelerating recovery and ensuring communities receive timely support.

A comprehensive discussion also took place on the challenges confronting industries amid the ongoing emergency. Participants examined the urgent steps required to maintain industrial activity and prevent setbacks to the national economy.

Business leaders additionally raised concerns related to tourism, airport operations, and transportation, as all sectors were experiencing disruptions due to the adverse weather.

The discussion further focused on post-disaster priorities, including the swift restoration of electricity and drinking water supplies and repairs to critical infrastructure such as highways and bridges.

The President assured the private sector that the Government remains committed to a rapid recovery process and invited continued cooperation to safeguard economic stability and public wellbeing.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha, Tri-Forces Commanders, the Inspector General of Police, senior officials of the defence services, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Krishan Balendra, along with its members and business leaders including Mohan Pandithage, Nathan Sivagananathan, Supun Weerasinghe, Asoka Hettigoda, Yohan Lawrence, M. Shanthikumar, and Hasitha Premaratne, and many others were present at the meeting.