Next President must have clear and robust policies that enable exporters to thrive: NCE

13 September 2024 12:33 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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Jayantha Karunaratne

Sri Lanka’s export fraternity yesterday asserted that the next President must have clear and robust policies that enable exporters to thrive, ensuring they have access to the resources, support, and international market opportunities they need to succeed.

As the strength of Sri Lanka’s export industry is directly tied to the health of our economy, the National Chamber of Exporters said a flourishing sector will help the country regain its financial footing.

“Corruption has long plagued Sri Lanka, undermining public trust and slowing down progress. The next administration must be firmly committed to rooting out corruption at all levels, NCE President Jayantha Karunaratne said.

“Only through a dedicated, zero-tolerance approach to corruption can we ensure that public resources are used efficiently and that all citizens have equal access to opportunities. Transparency in governance will be key to this, with clear and open decision-making processes that allow for public scrutiny and ensure accountability,” he added.
Moreover, in addition to respecting the Constitution, which is a cornerstone of any democratic society, the incoming leader should uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, ensure the fair application of justice and be committed to rooting out corruption at all levels.

“Strong leadership has never been more critical. The challenges facing Sri Lanka demand a leader with unwavering resolve, someone who can unite the nation in the face of adversity and make the difficult decisions required for recovery. This is not the time for indecision or political gamesmanship” Karunaratne stressed.
With the presidential elections set for 21 September, the Chamber urged all citizens to carefully consider the urgency of Sri Lanka’s economic situation as the future stability and prosperity of the nation heavily depends on the choices of the people made at the ballot box.

Comments - 4

wickrama Wijayasiri Saturday, 14 September 2024 05:47 PM

Exporters must also be honest and patriotic with their dealings. It is no secret that export earnings are skimmed-off at the top to be credited to foreign bank accounts. The earnings are subsidized by the people of SL and should be banked in SL, all of it.

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Kevin Saturday, 21 September 2024 05:08 AM

If there are no currency controls and corporate tax rates are competitive exporters will keep their profits in srilanka.

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Dilakshan Seneviratne Saturday, 21 September 2024 10:37 AM

What he is saying is absolutely correct. Genuine businesses cannot function properly in SL. Abuse of power has led to corruption and drain on government revenue through high tax and duty leakages. It’s wrong to blame businesses, they are the backbone of the economy and government has the responsibility to facilitate them to operate without any impediments. This has not happened in SL since the 70’s, it has only got worse. The result is our growth is low, exports low and reliant on tourism and ME remittances to stay afloat. This is not sustainable as we have seen.

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Namal Weeraratna Saturday, 21 September 2024 11:32 AM

At the moment BOI is inefficient, there is no opportunities given to easily access export opportunities, there is no one department where the exporters are given contacts of organisations who are willing to work with Sri Lankan exporters. There is no facilitation of new product development and marketing of what we have. Most of the overseas representatives of Sri Lanka don’t care of the country, sometimes no one to even answer the phone. How will Sri Lanka improve exports ? Only the private sector who are involved in exports are doing the actual work. Exporters also should be given incentives to bring the money back to the country such as maybe a permit to import tax free machinery. Sorry, to hear where Sri Lanka is at. Maybe, even special bank accounts to Sri Lankans exporters to keep US dollar accounts. I cannot imagine our country cannot even formulate a strategy to improve exports of the country. How sad.

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