The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce wishes to congratulate President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on being elected the 9th President of Sri Lanka. We call for all parties to continue to respect the outcome of the election in a peaceful manner without disturbing the normalcy of the public, demonstrating our respect towards democratic ideals.
We also extend our gratitude to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe for his leadership during an exceptionally challenging time, particularly for his role in achieving debt sustainability and ensuring economic stability. Additionally, we commend the Election Commission for their efforts in conducting a peaceful and transparent election.
We look forward to the President working together with all stakeholders in developing prudent growth strategies that will provide desirable results to the people. In this context and in line with the manifesto of the new President and the Ceylon Chamber’s Vision 2030 document, the Ceylon Chamber would like to recommend the President prioritise the following 10 areas on the economic front in the first six months of the term:
1. Complete external debt restructuring building on the recent announcement of the commercial creditors. Further, continue with the IMF program with the aim of a successful third review and fourth tranche disbursement.
2. The expected changes in expenditure outlined in the Manifesto to be implemented if backed by credible revenue proposals that don’t burden the existing taxpayer. Relook at matters related to revenue collection such as RAMIS and SVAT.
3. Resolve the visa on arrival issue immediately
4. Implement Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital ID
5. Commit towards the implementation of the National Single Window for Trade and take steps to achieve the low-hanging fruits that will provide benefits to the trade and people.
6. Form the necessary delivery space for the reforms. The Chamber’s Vision 2030 document recommended a National Implementation Oversight Committee tasked with reform delivery.
7. Implement the legislation related to the Economic Transformation Act, Public Debt Management Act, Public Financial Management and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act
8. Avoid implementing ad-hoc gazettes/circulars that can adversely impact the functioning of the private sector. Changes to be made in consultation with the private sector and relevant stakeholders.
9. Follow through on the Government Action plan that was prepared based on the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment
10. Recommence the Trade Agreement negotiations with China, India and Indonesia
The Ceylon Chamber assures its unstinted commitment and wholehearted support to engage productively with the newly elected President in transforming Sri Lanka towards a developed economy.