Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Friday, 4 December 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Employers’ Federation of Sri Lanka (EFC) recently extended its outreach to the Regional Chambers of Commerce, in collaboration with the Hambantota Regional Chamber of Commerce which had already joined hands with the EFC in order to provide enhanced and quality services to its members.
The EFC established in 1929, is the principal national employers’ organisation in the country. With a membership strength of over 600 across different sectors of the economy, employing over 400,000 persons and 30 national, regional trade/sector business membership organisations affiliated to it and represented on its policy making body, the EFC is recognised nationally and internationally as the most representative and sole employers’ organisation in the country. It has been recognised by the International Organization of Labour as one of the most dynamic EOs in the region.
In keeping with the EFC’s goal in providing high quality services at the grass-root level, several MoUs were recently between the EFC and several District Chambers of Commerce and Industry including that of Galle, Matara, Moneragala and Sabaragamuwa also known as the ‘Southern Cluster’.
Galle District Chamber of Commerce and Industries was established in 1988 by a few businessmen. Over the years, it has evolved into the premier business forum in Galle, rendering knowledge and skills in diverse sectors including production, service, construction etc. Chamber President Kithsiri Kahaduwa represented the Chamber.
The membership of the Matara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry is drawn from agro, manufacturing, confectionery, financial, tourism and construction fields. M. Widanagamachchi represented the Chamber.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Moneragala District was initiated on 16 October 2000. The Chamber presently has of over 250 members who are mainly businessmen in the district. Various activities are organised for its members to enhance their businesses. The Chamber was represented by A.V.K. Bandula Amaraweera.
The Sabaragamuwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) was established in July 1997 with the mission of facilitating promotion and development of the business community. This is made possible by lobbying with relevant decision makers, providing efficient networking opportunities and high quality business development services which ensure the creation of a new business culture, while making the Chamber self-sustainable. The Chamber was represented by L.H.D. Shanthalal.
The MoUs were signed by the representatives of the respective Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the EFC was represented by Vajira Ellepola, who was appointed as its Deputy Director General in July this year. The occasion was presided over by Suresh De Mel, who is a Council Member of the EFC representing SMEs together with the respective presidents and secretaries of the Regional Chambers of Commerce.
Senior Assistant Director General of the EFC, Kapila Dissanayake, conducted an introductory workshop for the representatives of Regional Chambers marking the very first service extended to such Chambers by the EFC.
