People’s poll results to be made public at FT Budget Forum on Friday

At tomorrow's post-Budget Forum organised by the Daily FT in partnership with the Colombo University MBA Alumni Association at the Galadari Hotel, 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. For registration/tickets for the 2013 Budget Forum, call Ranga on 0773446932 or 0778837062. See also Page 8 for more details.

At last year’s post-Budget forum, the public SMS opinion poll revealed 40% saying 2012 Budget was good for the country and a further 24% saying it was good for the country but didn’t offer relief to the poor. The poll of forum participants revealed 49% agreeing that the 2012 Budget would benefit everyone equally.

The 2013 post-Budget Forum from will start at 4:30 p.m. on Friday with Finance Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera as the Chief Guest.

A best-in-class panel comprising JKH Chairman Susantha Ratnayake, Hayleys Chairman Mohan Pandithage, DSI Group Managing Director Kulanthunga Rajapaksa, Brandix Group CEO Ashroff Omar, and popular commentator on taxation N.R. Gajendran, will form the panel of private sector experts at the forum.

A top team of over 10 officials from the Ministry of Finance will be present as well to answer any queries on Budget 2013 at the Forum, which will also include an interactive Q&A session.

World...

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.