Respect for rule of law and more transparency urged by British High Commissioner
View(s):Sri Lankan authorities should establish a ‘One Stop Shop’ for investors together with increased transparency, more open tendering, a reduction in red tape, and respect for the rule of law, the British High Commissioner John Rankin has said.
He made this comment, while acknowledging that the trade and investment relationship between Sri Lanka and his country will continue, at the AGM of the Council for Business with Britain (CBB) held recently in Colombo at the high commissioner’s official residence.
“We also hope that the Government will explore the potential for Public Private Partnerships as a model for the next stage of infrastructure and wider development in Sri Lanka,” he said, in comments and details of the meeting released by the CBB.
Mr. Rankin also said Britain will continue to encourage the Government to address issues of accountability arising from the end of Sri Lanka’s long conflict, to take meaningful steps towards reconciliation and to respect human rights.
During the occasion, incoming CBB Chairman Shirendra Lawrence stressed the importance of keeping up the business relationship with the UK which is the second largest export destination for Sri Lanka and accounting for the second largest number of tourist arrivals.
He explained the initiatives taken by the CBB to enhance the competency of English Language teachers in rural areas of Sri Lanka.
Mr. Lawrence, Managing Director, MAS Active (Pvt) Ltd was elected Chairman of the Council for the year 2014/2015 while Tania Polonnowita Wettimuny, Managing Director, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Pvt) Ltd was elected as the Vice Chairman. Mohammed Ziauddin, Managing Director, Norfolk Foods (Pvt.) Ltd and Sarath Ganegoda, Group Director Hayleys PLC were elected as the Hony. Secretary and Hony. Treasurer, respectively.
The following were appointed as Committee Members: Anil Wijesinghe, Chairman/Managing Director, AWS Institute of Education (Immediate Past Chairman, CBB); Romesh David, President, Transportation John Keells Holdings PLC; Felicio Ferraz, Chief Executive Officer, Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC; Patrick Gallagher, CEO, HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives; and Christian Johansen, Managing Director, Finlays Colombo PLC
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce provides secretarial services to the Council for Business with Britain.