Tissa Seneviratne elected new CNCI Chairman

3 November 2015 06:30 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

From left– Sujan Perera – Treasurer, Sarath Perera- Vice Chairman, Ruwan Edirisinghe- Senior Vice Chairman, Gamini Gunasekera- Immediate Past Chairman, Tissa Seneviratne- Chairman, Raja Hewabowala- Deputy Chairman, Canisius Fernando Vice Chairman and Kevin Edwards- Vice Chairman)

The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) had its 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23rd October at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

The Chief Guest was T M K B Tennakoon, Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Tissa Seneviratne who was holding the office of the Deputy Chairman was elected Chairman– CNCI at the AGM.

Seneviratne is an Engineer by profession. He has also been graduated in Industrial Studies, followed by a Master of Science Post Graduate Degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka. He has obtained his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Sabaragamuwa. A Fellow of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers Sri Lanka and a Member of the Institute of Engineering Technology (UK). Seneviratne is a Management Representative of the OPA.

The outgoing CNCI Chairman- Gamini Gunasekera, who is the Managing Director of Union Chemicals Lanka PLC addressing the Gathering stated that the Sri Lankan economy recorded a growth of 7.4 percent during 2014, increasing per capita income to US$ 3625. The inflation remained at single digit level for the sixth consecutive year by end 2014. It is interesting to analyze the sectoral performance in GDP of the Services, Industry and Agriculture during the last three years.

The industrial Sector has achieved the highest average growth rate of 10.5 percent while the Service and Agriculture Sectors have maintained 5.8 percent and 3.4 percent respectively. It is obvious that the Industrial Sector plays a major role in our economy and private sector has been recognized as the main contributor for the industrial growth in the country. In order to achieve a GDP growth target of 8.0 percent or higher, Sri Lanka would need to maintain at least investment of 35 percent of GDP. As Public investments are limited to around 6% the balance investment would need to come almost entirely from private investments.

The National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) is of the view that the government should take steps to ensure the protection of viable industries and support them to expand their industries. We made a request to the Government at the budget proposals meeting (2016) chaired by the Hon. Minister of Finance, to allow exchange rate to be determined by the market forces and maintain the present interest rate or if possible further reduce the interest rate. A realistic exchange rate and low interest rate will support manufacturing and rapid export growth.

We requested to maintain a higher tariff rate for the imported finished products than the raw materials imported by the local manufacturers in order to protect the local manufacturer.

Tissa Seneviratne assuming Chair of the CNCI said that in 2015, a lot of changes took place in Sri Lanka where we elected a new President who got a mandate from people to establish Good Governance. Although people like fair and just society, it seems very hard for us to get to this path, it is because our administration has got used to lot of different practices twisting of regulations and may other happened, these public see as corrupt practices. I too believe we can’t stop all wrong doers overnight but our will to inculcate good habits in our systems is important. Practicing rule of law keeping to law and order to the most, as it could set, establish norms needed. Further, with lot of counseling and determination the leader and regulators could change and bring up a life style we all were waited to see. Mostly all our leaders must set an example by leaving foul practices. In many forums we now here statements on need of top to bottom compliance with law and order and all in line following same.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Tissa Seneviratne elected new CNCI Chairman

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

New Visa procedure implemented

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Foreign powers intensify surveillance on Presidential elections as strategic interests take centre stage

New uterine loop for monkey birth control

Sajith avoids reception hosted for Iranian President

Do not be afraid to use weapons, Minister Alles tells police

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand