For the first time, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) in its 175 year old history has come out with a set of 10 principles to guide and influence the trajectory of the private sector and the country's economy.
Chairman CCC, Samantha Ranatunge said that they came out with this since they believe that the ambiance is ready to present such principles. "We also see rule of law being established and fair playing field being created for business."
Speaking at a special event to present these proposals to the media, he said that they also believe that the present government listens and engages in such proposals. These principles, the first of its kind for a business chamber in Sri Lanka, will form the basis of the Chamber's advocacy on pro-business policy and legislation, within a 'Nation-first' mind-set.
The Chamber is keen to ensure that its activities, as well as its engagements within the private sector and between the private sector and the government, are based on consistent and coherent principles, instead of ad hoc stances taken from time to time.
Accordingly, the 10 principles are 'Good Governance, Policy Stability and Regulatory Quality', 'National Integration, Harmony and Inclusiveness', 'A Market-Oriented and Private Sector-Led Economy', 'An Economy based on Competitiveness and Driven by Exports', 'Forging Mutually Beneficial Trade Agreements', 'A Strong and Thriving SME Sector', 'Bridging Regional Growth Disparities through Business', 'Attracting Quality FDI and making Sri Lanka a Preferred Investment Destination', 'Sustainable and Development-focused Technology Advancement and Innovation', and 'Demand-focused Education and Skills Development'.
The '10 Principles' come as part of the ongoing efforts of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to transform the organisation's role to stay relevant to the modern day needs of its members, the wider private sector, the government and the general public, in the evolving social, political, economic scenario.
The carving out of the 10 new principles was spearheaded by leadership team of the Chamber and the main committee of the Chamber consisting of top corporate executives of the private sector drawn from diverse sectors.
It was also duly approved by the newly appointed nine-member Board of Directors of the Chamber, which replaced the 'Standing Committee' A, under the newly enacted rules of the Chamber at its 176th AGM. (SS)