Jaffna Chamber of Commerce urges new Govt. to develop north sincerely
Monday, 19 January 2015 00:51
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By N.Parameswaran
The Jaffna Chamber of Commerce last week expressed sincere hope that the new Governmentwould genuinely endeavour to develop the north.
At a press conference on Friday, Jaffna Chamber of Commerce ChairmanR.Jeyasegaram stated that minority Tamils, Muslims and the Sinhalese who were willing to bring peace to the country supported President Maithripala Sirisena at the presidential election and that they joined hands to put the country on a democratic path.
“We also givenour moral supportto the new Government. In previous years the Tamils faced severe problems; the Tamils and the business community were affected economically. Some development projects were initiated by the previous Government but the tenders were given to Colombo-based companies only, not even sub contracts were given to the Northern Province contractors; all the contracts were given through political influence,” he stated.
Noting that the Jaffna Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new President’s 100 day program, he requested President Maithripala Sirisena to reopen factories which were closed during the war.
“The new President’s 100-day program says in chapter 36 hat soft loans will be given to small business people and we request the Government to give administration for local productindustries, such as the Palmyra Development Board,to the provincial council.”
He also requested the Government and Indian High Commission to re-open the Palaly airport and KKS harbour.
“Now Jaffna traders are paying double transport expenses. Most things are imported from India and then transportedto Jaffna from Colombo. The airport and harbour are already functioning, the Government only has a establish Customs and Immigration,” Jeyasegaram added.
