With peace this is the era for young entrepreneurs: President

Wednesday, 29 January 2014 00:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday said young entrepreneurs should make the most of the country’s peaceful atmosphere. “Young entrepreneurs should use these most favourable opportunities to expand their horizons by going that extra mile,” the President said in his address at the gathering to mark the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) in Hambantota. President Rajapaksa added that this is the era for entrepreneurs, who can help build and strengthen the country’s economy with their innovative ideas. “They should utilise the mega infrastructure development projects such as harbours, airports, technological and communication advancements expand their businesses to that of international levels, while strengthening their business entities,” the President added.

“We can proudly talk about the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port since no new harbour has been constructed in the country for 750 years. Similarly, no airport has been constructed in the country after the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake,” the President said. “When looking back at the country’s proud history, the business community has got a golden opportunity to make the best use of the newly constructed harbour and airport,” the President noted. The President added that the best benefit the country received is the discontinuing of GSP and GSP + by European countries. “These benefits are sure to motivate our local business community as they can take up the challenge to strengthen and sharpen their business entities. These concessions will boost the garment sector,” the President added. The President further said that no development is possible without peace, and we can be very proud to achieve lasting peace after much sacrifice. “Therefore, we should protect this hard won peace at any cost,” he said. “People need not travel to Colombo or any of the other main cities to commence a business, since Hambantota provides the best opportunities for any budding entrepreneur.”