Economic development to overcome human rights issues - Shibly Aziz

By Sunimalee Dias

Legal experts yesterday expressed confidence that Sri Lanka’s achievement of economic development will overcome any human rights issues.  

While noting there are issues pertaining to human rights prevalent in the country however, Bar Association President Shibly Aziz PC said “we are trying to overcome this with economic development”.

He was speaking at a media briefing held to announce the two day 8th LAWASIA Business Law Conference 2011 organised by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

Showcasing the business law of the country and focusing on economic activities is needed to ensure that Colombo is capable of becoming a business hub; it was pointed out at the briefing.

Aziz explained that if the economy should develop there would be a trickling down of its effects to everybody which would result in an inclusive growth based on which people would reap economic benefits.

Given these developments in the future, he noted that “human rights issues will not seem all that relevant.”

He further observed that with people becoming more content with the growth and development of the country human rights issues would not be a concern.

In this respect the upcoming law conference is also a focused attempt to synchronise with the government objective of developing business activities, Organising Committee Chairman Sunil Abeyratne said.

Based on the theme “Using the law to achieve sustainable and rapid economic growth” the conference held in Colombo will host 75 foreign delegates from countries like India, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and the Middle East among others. Among this gathering will be about 20 investors.

This would be a good chance for Sri Lanka to showcase the opportunities available in the area of business law, and discuss various issues during the sessions.

The inaugural plenary session will be held on the theme of “Facilitating appropriate, sustainable and rapid economic growth by the use of law, policy and governance.” This session will be chaired by LAWASIA President Lester Huang.

 The other two sessions on the first day will be based on “Facilitating foreign direct investment, domestic commerce and international trade with the aid of efficacious domestic legal regimes” and “Facilitating growth of business through the maintenance of the Rule of Law, appropriate legislation and adherence to ethical standards.”

The conference is also expected to discuss issues faced by developing countries in the area of Foreign Direct Investment; making business dispute resolution efficacious; data protection and privacy policies; business development through the elimination of corporate criminality; creating a level playing field and protecting consumers.