SLCSMI welcomes President’s move to appoint deregulation commission to simplify laws

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries (SLCSMI) yesterday welcomed the initiative of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in appointing an 18-member deregulation commission for the simplification of the existing laws and regulations in the interest of the people.

The members of the commission consists of eminent professionals such as lawyers, chartered accountants, engineers and renowned businessmen in various fields. 

SLCSMI President Prof. Rohan De Silva said that it is the right time that such a task is carried out, as most laws and regulations need changes and more dynamic and fast-tracked actions need to be taken, if the country is to move forward in the direction of the government’s policy ‘Vistas for Prosperity’.

The tasks of the commission involve reviewing of regulations and instructions, assessing as to whether the issuing of regulations and instructions has resulted in over regulations and deviated from the targeted objectives, causing red tape and bottlenecks in the processes, etc.

In addition, the commission is to recommend simplifications and rationalisations in various processes of approvals, permits and licences, etc. through the local bodies like Provincial Councils and amend such regulations appropriately for the convenience of the public – i.e., one-stop-shop – especially in the aftermath of the  COVID-19 pandemic, where every activity such as businesses, administration, education, banking, etc. are endeavouring to fall into the ‘new normal’.

Prof. de Silva said that the chamber, representing the micro, small and medium industrial sector and the apex body of the SMEs of the country, extends its fullest support and co-operation to this commission and is in the process of collecting submissions and suggestions from its membership, for the upholding and sustenance of the 
local manufacturers.