Imports restricted: Now commence production – President tells industrialists
Opportunity is now open to commence productions in many sectors with the limiting of imports of several non-essential items, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.
As pledged in “Saubhagyaye Dekma” policy statement the way has been paved for a people-centric production economy. The current challenge before the industrialists is to win the domestic and global market, President observed.
President made these comments during a discussion with the members of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Industrial and Enterprise Development held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (22).
At present there are several tasks before to be performed by businessmen. They include satisfying consumer needs, creation of new industries and introducing new technology to the country. President emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest possible level of standards in every product manufactured and every service provided in the country.
The Government apparatus is geared to assist the industrial sector. The ground work including the provision of loans at single digit interest rate has been laid. President Rajapaksa said he expects the industrialists to show results by manufacturing an array of goods ranging from brooms to medical drugs domestically.
It is not the government’s policy to encourage imports of agricultural products while giving encouraging farmers to grow locally. President Rajapaksa further said that as the government moves forward with a steady policy, there is an environment for the farmers to understand the market demand in a similar manner like industrialists do.
Representatives of several fields including motor vehicle assembly industrialists, motor spare parts manufacturers association, packaging manufacturers, power cables industrialists, national marine manufacturers association, metal industrialists, leather industry advisory committee, rubber related products manufacturers association, advisory committee of electrical & electronic equipment, timber and timber-related products industrialists association, joint apparel association forum, apparel industrialists, cosmetic manufacturers association and advisory committee on the drug manufacturing attended in this meeting.
Minister of Industries, Wimal Weerawansa, Secretary to the President, P.B. Jayasundera and Ministry Secretaries participated in the discussion.
(President’s Media)
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Lot if theory here. Hope it comes to practice.
Striving for a self- sufficient country is a progressive move.
However, it will only materialise if the cynics and sceptics are supportive, rather than critical, and expertise is shared.
With the highest literacy rate in SE Asia, Sri Lankans can achieve these goals, but a collective enterprise is imperative.
Putting political allegiances aside, we need to band together to see the bigger picture;
a progressive Sri Lanka which will benefit us now, and future generations.
Sri Lanka may be “highly literate” but it graduates are only good for showering under Police water cannons in the street.
In Sri Lanka, a budding industrialist cannot find a single licenced plumber, a licenced Electrician, a licenced Welder, a licenced Lathe operator.
Dear Mr Gamini,
My point about literacy, was that an ability to read and write means that people have the basic skills to acquire further knowledge.
We need skills of all levels; not just graduates.
I agree, difficult to find appropriately qualified people when required, which may be due to them working abroad.
However, if there is a substantial plan put in place to galvanise the skill needs of the country, by offering both employment, training and apprenticeship, then we might get the ball rolling.
True, it will be a steep learning curve, with inevitable falls along the way, but with tangible goals, the main aim is achievable.
Moreover, there are significant numbers of Sri Lankans, both here and abroad, who are willing to help the motherland if given a chance. The strong leadership that we have now, might just encourage them to come forward.
Dear Mr Rex. You are right that there are significant numbers of Sri Lankans, both here and abroad who cannot get a decent job but with load of experience who are willing to help the motherland if given a chance. The strong leadership we can import these Sri lankens so that we get a CLEANER Sri Lanka.
Ranjith,
There are no jobs in SL for qualified and experienced professionals.
Even if you have a PhD, you need a Minister’s Letter to get a menial job in SL.
Ranjith, the stronger the leadership, the stronger the corruption is too.
Mr Gamini . Sri lanka is so corrupted I don’t think that they can ever come out of it. During the Covid 19 there was a curfew and at the Tea Estate man’s funeral the estate workers did not take any notice about it. At the same time when Sinhalese broke this rule they were beaten by the police. Where was this strong leader Mr Rex is talking about.
And do you ever heard about a president when lost come back as a MP in the world other than Sri Lanka.