The Export Development Board (EDB) organised a meeting with key exporters and investors in its auditorium to discuss the current situation of the country recently.
Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrema, Secretary of the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade, S.T. Kodikara, Chairman of Board of Investment, Mangala P.B. Yapa, Director General, BOI Champika Malalgoda and Director General, EDB, Jeevani Siriwardena and the business community were also present.
The Minister requested exporters and investors to express their concerns and come up with suggestions to overcome the current issues.
Minister Samarawickrema said that there are financial schemes already in operation under the ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ program and ‘Erambuma’ scheme for start-ups. He said that measures are being taken to build buyer and investor confidence. It was discussed to take immediate measure to rebuild confidence through Diplomatic Missions and to provide financial assistance to be provided to mitigate losses, especially for SMEs.
It was also decided to form a Committee consisting of exporters and investors, representatives of Associations and Chambers to follow-up on the issues. This meeting will be convened by the Secretary, Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade.
This committee will comprise Tuli Cooray – JAAF, Anslem Perera - Tea Traders Association, Rohan Masakorala - SLAMERP/Hub Operators, Channa Weeratunga – Seafood Exporters Association, Ahasan Refai – SLGJA, Jeevan Gnanam – SLASSCOM, Nadee K. Algama – SLEMEA, Ruwan Waidyaratne – CASA, Shiham Marikkar – NCE, Sean Van Dort – Logistics, A senior officer representing the Joint Operational Command Office and government officials.