Ceylon Chamber cheers President’s call to form all-party government

• Says concerted and united effort necessary to address current challenges facing the country 
• Stresses that all political parties must join hands and put Sri Lanka first over individual agendas
• Says consensus of all parties required for the reform agenda as only then it will spur global confidence amongs investors, private sector, and public
• Calls all political parties and public to work together and be patient to usher in a new era for Sri Lanka

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday welcomed the call by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to initiate the formation of an all-party government, as a concerted and united effort is necessary to address the current challenges facing the country. 

“At this extremely crucial juncture for Sri Lanka, all political parties must join hands and put Sri Lanka first over individual agendas,” Ceylon Chamber said in a statement.

An all-party government that is acceptable to all sections of the public and equitably represents the views of all parties, which will work towards a common minimum programme is the first step towards addressing the current crisis, the trade chamber 
pointed out. 

It noted that a policy framework with broad consensus by all parties is required so that an agreed reform agenda will spur global confidence amongst investors, the private sector, and 
the public.

“We appreciate the steps taken by the government to improve the shortages as a result of the economic stresses including ongoing power cuts, shortage of fuel, securing adequate essential drugs and food items, and the provision of adequate fertiliser to ensure food security. This stresses the importance of leveraging technology and communications to find solutions to these shortages,” the statement said.

Ceylon Chamber in the recent past highlighted the need to urgently resume IMF negotiations with a view to reaching a staff-level agreement expeditiously, proposed amendments to the constitution, and the need for state-owned enterprise reforms as being among key priorities.

“The implementation of a sustainable economic recovery plan will take time to bear fruit and key milestones will need to be set. We therefore call for all parties and the public to work together and be patient to usher in a new era for Sri Lanka,” the statement concluded.