The chambers and business community hailed the historic victory of the Nationals People’s Power (NPP) which secured 159 member seats in Parliament and set an all-time record. They opined that they expect a new political culture with business friendly policies that will also look at promoting local industries, specially the SME sector.
They also want a government sans corruption which will pave the way for more investments to the country.
Business leader and former Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism who headed multinational companies, Dr. Kishu Gomes says that voters have clearly expressed their trust in the new leadership with the historic majority in Parliament for NPP.
“This exemplifies the burst of persistent frustration of people who were looking for a change of political culture, tired of traditional politics over decades. With power what is entrusted to the new government is the challenge of the government to turn around the economy to fulfill the aspirations of people. It’s a vote given in exchange of returns promised through the two election campaigns”.
However, he says that people need to realize that no government can perform unless the people themselves perform to their full potential in creating wealth for the country.
“Public sector productivity and efficiency and an aggressive and committed effort by the private sector are the foundation on which the new government will be able to honor the pledge. Let us all get together to create a better Sri Lanka.”
Founder & Executive Chairman of Ideal Group, Nalin Welgama says that the mandate given by the people to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the NPP has opened a golden opportunity to make Sri Lanka, “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean”
“The NPP has been given a resounding, historical vote of confidence by the voting public in Sri Lanka to carry out the President’s election manifesto for the next 5 years!
The people have voted for a complete overhaul of the political order in Sri Lanka, hoping to usher in a corruption free administration based on a level playing field, transparency and meritocracy. We must all support this government to accomplish our dreams and aspirations without division.”
Heading the Mahindra assembly plant in Welipenna and being the biggest local automobile assembler he says that relaxation of vehicle imports could be done ensuring decent revenue to the government and a structured outflow of forex modelled on the system in Singapore.
This should be done in a much planned manner protecting local vehicle assembly and auto component manufacturers. “The Government must also look at promoting local automobile spare parts targeting the lucrative Indian auto market!”
President, Chamber of Construction Industry, Jayantha Perera while congratulating the President and the new government said that the construction industry expects the government to support its restoration as it supports families of around 20% of the population.
“If the new government can restore fair practice in the State sector and the private sector there can be large FDIs especially in the tourism sector which can create new construction activities thus giving a kick start to the construction activities.”
President, Sri Lanka Automobile Service Provides Association (SLASPA) Amal Piyatilake says that they expect the new government to change policies on tax collection.
“We also like the government to change policies on spending procedures, strict supervision on irregularities at the Customs, government offices and create a forum to transfer ideas and proposals to policy makers via SMEs.”
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce while congratulating the National People’s Power led by the President on securing an overwhelming mandate and majority in the Parliamentary election says: “The mandate of the people reflects the united expectations towards governance, democratic values, anti-corruption and uplifting of the economy.”
The Ceylon Chamber stands ready to collaborate with the new administration to foster economic stability, inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“We appreciate efforts of the Election Commission and other State institutions for conducting a peaceful election,” the Chamber said.
Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director and President Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) Nalin Jayasundara says that the government’s ambitious arrival targets for 2025 could be met provided that they don’t bring any ad hoc rules similar to change of on arrival visa policy by the previous government that derailed the tourism targets for 2024.
Sri Lanka Tourism must implement a global marketing campaign as soon as possible and for this sufficient funds are available from the accumulated Tourism Development Levy (TDL). “We are not stressing that the present tourism campaign should not go on, but a global campaign is a must,” he noted.
He also congratulated the government for conducting a peaceful general election which never had a negative impact/disruption on tourism.
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), while extending their warm congratulations to the NPP on securing a resounding majority in the General Election they reaffirm its commitment to working closely with the new leadership to drive economic growth, foster sustainable employment and support Sri Lanka in achieving its merchandise export target of USD 25 billion by 2025.
“At a time when the nation faces economic challenges, JAAF believes that a unified approach between the private sector and government can create a powerful pathway to stability and growth,” said Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of JAAF.
“JAAF is confident that the new Parliament will prioritize policies that support the industry’s competitiveness and economic contributions, which are crucial to revitalizing the national economy. In the current global climate, fostering an environment conducive to trade, investment and industrial growth is more critical than ever.”
“We are optimistic that the new administration will enact policies that promote a stable economic environment, encourage foreign investment and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a reliable partner in international trade, simplifying regulatory processes, enhancing trade facilitation and securing favorable trade agreements will empower the apparel sector to grow sustainably and create new opportunities for Sri Lankan workers.”
With growing international demand for sustainable apparel, there is a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to lead by example in ethical practices and environmental stewardship.
Director Industrial Development Forum and Founder Chairman, Micro Electric International and exporter of locally made electrical items; Dhammika Samarawickrama said that Sri Lanka should look at formulating Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with countries which have better export potential.
“If this aspect is not considered, exports of large countries will flood the local market and kill local industries. Sri Lanka should look at FTA with European countries or look at obtaining other tax benefits.”
“This will help the country to gain more FOREX via exports.”
Samarawickrama also said that they would prefer a low electricity tariff regime as spelt out by the manifesto of the President.
“A development bank that would offer low interest credit for industrialists too is welcomed by us to expand our businesses.”
Founder and Chairperson of Women In Management (WIM) Dr Sulochana Sigera, while hailing the fact that a record number of 21 female MP’s were elected, said that urgent steps should be taken to correct the university curriculum as most of the university students who pass out are women (over 40%) in the arts stream.
“But they don’t have ready-made jobs as their qualifications do not meet the current job market demands. Only few jobs are available in teaching and other sectors and this mismatch should be corrected by introducing a university curriculum for the arts stream. Introducing the subject of psychology may be timely.”
She also says that new laws should be brought to stop harassment of women in the workplace and public transport which will encourage more women to work.
A member of the Sri Lanka Palm Oil Industry Association (POIA) said Palm Oil cultivation was banned in April 2021 by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which has caused severe hardships to farmers mainly in the SME sector which has resulted in huge FOREX drain to import palm oil running in to several million dollars. Lifting the ban will allow a new avenue of revenue generation for the SME agro sector which in turn will help to eradicate rural poverty in a big way and help to reduce import bills as well.
The country has over 2,000 smallholders interested in starting oil palm cultivation, presenting a significant opportunity for economic empowerment.
President, Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) and President-Elect, Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) Jayantha Gallehewa opined, “The NPP coalition’s overwhelming win, securing 159 out of 225 parliamentary seats, marks a significant turning point in our nation’s history, granting the government a two-thirds majority in the legislature.
“This victory is not just a testament to the leadership of President Dissanayake but a reflection of the collective will of the people of Sri Lanka. For the first time in our history, Sri Lankans from all walks of life—transcending barriers of ethnicity, religion, and regional divisions—have united to vote for change.”
The result signals a renewed hope for a brighter future, underscored by the people’s demand for accountability, equity, and progressive governance. As Sri Lanka enters this transformative phase, it is imperative that the new government must prioritize and focus on developing the economy.
The establishment of comprehensive national policies, crafted through meaningful dialogue with professionals and experts across all sectors, is essential to ensuring sustainable development and progress.
“This is a critical juncture for Sri Lanka. The government has a unique opportunity to rise above traditional politics and deliver on the aspirations of the people.”
“By fostering collaboration with professional bodies, industry leaders, and civil society, we can collectively address the challenges facing our nation and lay the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and thriving economy. The road ahead will require determination, innovation and unity.”
“Together, let us seize this moment to build a Sri Lanka that future generations can be proud of. The historic mandate bestowed by the people is not just a vote for a new government but a call for transformative leadership.”
“Let us answer that call with courage, integrity, and a shared vision for a prosperous nation.”
Executive Director, Yalpanam (Jaffna) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. V. K. Vignesh said that people in the North wanted a change as they felt that most Tamil politicians were not sincere in promoting the country. “Northern People need better governance and this is why the NPP was elected and they are for a system change.”
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