Budget under microscope today at Daily FT-Colombo Uni MBA Alumni forum at 4:30 p.m. at Galadari

The Government’s 2013 Budget will come under the microscope by a panel representing the private sector’s best along with a top team from the Finance Ministry at a highly-anticipated forum organised by the Daily FT in partnership with the Colombo University MBA Alumni Association today at 4:30 p.m. at the Galadari Hotel.

Conducted for the third consecutive year and a first by a national newspaper, the post-Budget Forum will see Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Planning Dr. P.B. Jayasundera as the Chief Guest.

The panel of private sector leaders will include Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman of John Keells Holdings Plc – the most valuable company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange; Mohan Pandithage, Chairman of Hayleys Plc – the most diversified blue chip in Sri Lanka; Ashroff Omar, CEO of Brandix Group – the biggest exporter of Sri Lanka; Kulathunga Rajapaksa, Managing Director of DSI Group – the most respected indigenous manufacturing brand in Sri Lanka originating from the provinces; and N.R. Gajendran, the popular commentator on taxation and Senior Partner of Gajma and Company Ltd.

A 12-member top team from the Ministry of Finance will be present as well to answer queries at the popular forum, moderated by Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim. They include Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, S.R. Attygalle – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, P.A. Abeysekera – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Pushpa Wellappili – Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Shamalie Gunawardena – DG/Legal, Chandra Ekanayake – DG/Budget, M. Siriwardena – DG/Fiscal Policy, P.A. Dias – DG/Trade and Tariff, Malanie Gamage – DG/National Planning, Dr. D.S. Jayaweera – DG/Development Finance, Anula Harasgama – DG/Public Enterprises, and Dhammika Gunathilake – Tax Advisor.

The post-Budget forum, the only public event soon after the Budget 2013 presentation, with tickets attractively priced at Rs. 2,500, is a follow-up to the unique pre-Budget brainstorming session held last month under the joint initiative of the Daily FT and Colombo University MBA Alumni Association.

At today’s Forum, a sample of people’s views will be revealed. Under an initiative by SMS partner zMessenger, the conclusions of a public SMS opinion poll will be revealed at the commencement of the Budget Forum, whilst the participants will have an instant opportunity to give their validation as well.

Sri Lanka Telecom Plc is the Platinum Sponsor of the post-Budget forum, and the Gold Sponsor is Access Engineering Plc, whilst the Silver Sponsor is Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc. Creative Partner is Phoenix Ogilvy with Officemax as the Official Printer and zMessenger as the SMS Partner.

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