Three trade and business chambers issued a joint appeal this week urging the government to intensify steps to minimise hardships faced by civilians in the Wanni.
“We (also) commend (the) government’s plan to demarcate conflict-free civilian spaces which will enhance the safety of civilians,” the heads of the the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI), said in a statement released to the media by the CCC.
The statement said the country is currently at a momentous point in its history, where ethnic strife and terrorism that has plagued it for a nearly three decades has now reached a decisive stage. “This historic opportunity calls for unity of all sections of the country, regardless of political, ethnic, religious and other differences, to support the Sri Lankan government under the leadership of the President. Any misguided action at this sensitive time can nullify this prospect and propel this country into another spiral of violence, misery and lost opportunity,” it said.
The chambers urged the leadership of all political parties of the country to rally round and support the initiative of the government and said the government should take the initiative by announcing its response to the aspirations of the minority communities and provincial administrations for the devolution of power.
“It is reported that the APRC has achieved consensus on 90% of the issues discussed. This process has taken well over two years since it was initiated with the objective of reaching consensus. Any further delay in arriving at a resolution will only create suspicion and distrust regarding the true intentions of government,” it said. |
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