SMEs upbeat ‘very hopeful’: Rajabdeen

Monday, 10 August 2020 03:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

COSMI hopeful that President and new government will deliver in next five years

Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Industries (COSMI) President Nawaz Rajabdeen seen handing over FCCISL’s Back to Business program’s Industry Development Proposal years ago to the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is the current Prime Minister

SMEs have strong, newfound hope on the incoming new administration for their long overdue revival. “We are certain President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will listen to our concerns and deliver within the next five years,” said Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Industries (COSMI) President Nawaz Rajabdeen on 9 August.

COSMI President Rajabdeen (who is also a past President of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka) was speaking on 9 August on the outlook for local MSMEs and industries after the landslide victory by Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its allies in the recently concluded General Elections.

Rajabdeen stressed that he expects President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would receive the necessary backing from the newly-elected Parliament to develop MSMEs, industries and business communities across the country. “We are sure that the President together with the new Parliament will support all citizens regardless of their castes and religions. His support to uplift and upgrade industries in all districts is the next viable step. We are certain President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will listen to our concerns and deliver within the next five years. We are hopeful on the new Government on pursuing a medium to long-term development strategy for our MSMEs and industries,” added Rajabdeen.

COSMI was formed in 2019, and aims to revive and foster the MSME and industry sectors of Sri Lanka.