Tuesday Sep 08, 2026
Tuesday Sep 08, 2026
Tuesday, 8 September 2026 05:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The medium and large-scale businesses have taken their concerns over mounting operational and policy challenges directly to the Treasury, with Southern Province business chambers seeking time-bound solutions from the Government.
The issues were raised at a meeting held yesterday (7) at the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry following a request by the Southern Province Chambers Forum. Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Economic Development Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera chaired the discussion.
Representatives of several business associations affiliated with the Forum presented their concerns and challenges in detail, while also putting forward proposals aimed at addressing the constraints faced by businesses.
Jayaweera said the Government had reached policy-level agreement to address many of the issues raised, with discussions to follow on the timeframe required to implement the proposed solutions.
Dr. Fernando said several measures had already been initiated to respond to the concerns presented by the business community.
The meeting was significant as businesses continue to push for a more predictable and enabling operating environment, with regulatory, taxation, customs and other administrative bottlenecks affecting investment and expansion decisions.
Officials from the Finance Ministry, Sri Lanka Customs and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) also participated, bringing key revenue and regulatory agencies into the discussion.
Business representatives welcomed the Government’s quick response to their request, expressing appreciation to the two Deputy Ministers for facilitating the meeting within a short period.
