International personalities steal the show at SL Economic Forum
Prof. Stiglitz, Premier Wickremesinghe, President Sirisena, George Soros and Ricardo Haussmann (at the podium).
What was expected to be the most anticipated day in the country’s economic calendar was just another ordinary day, barring the arrival of some major international personalities. This was the opinion of more than a few dozen participants at the Sri Lanka Economic Forum 2016 themed ‘Steering Sri Lanka towards Sustainable and Inclusive Development’ held in Colombo on Thursday. A 2-day event that saw many top businessmen meeting with famous international personalities and government authorities, including powerful ministers didn’t raise the hype that it was meant for, as the organisation was a last minute, stressful affair where media institutions were only informed the day before on the entry procedure.
Some down, yet ‘not out’ businessmen, tycoons and et al (who were powerful friends of the past regime were invited to this event) were seen walking into Cinnamon Grand Oak room in anticipation on Thursday, which was the opening day. President Maithripala Sirisena who was scheduled to address this forum but had other engagements left after a short time without addressing the crowd. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, billionaire investor and founder Chairman Open Society, George Soros and Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz, a US economist and a professor at Columbia University in addition to a lineup of internationally acclaimed experts and other distinguished visitors were present at the forum.
Usually low-key Arjun Aloysius, young businessman, who was ar Perpetual Treasuries and capital market investor who rose to the limelight recently as the Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran’s son- in- law came in just in time for the ‘Global Setting: A panel discussion’ which was between Mr. Wickremesinghe, Mr. Soros and Prof. Stiglitz with Ricardo Haussmann, Director The Centre for International Development and Professor of the Practice of Economic Development at Harvard University, as the moderator.
However, he – accompanied by his friend – couldn’t find any seats. This was a common complaint by a few dozen invitees who were standing. Mr. Aloysius, on his feet for one and a half hours, was diligently listening to the panel discussion and seemed to be engrossed in what the panelists hand to say. All movers and shakers in the business sector were in their regal attire in anticipation that it was to be a ‘different forum’, but this expectation wasn’t met, according to many. The Sri Lanka Economic Forum was expected to set the stage for an in-depth analysis and discussion of the need to develop government policy along these identified areas of importance.”The closed door meetings that PM had with some invitees may reap results,” an analyst said.
During the tea break many businessmen including former regime favourites were seen flocking around the ministers, making and renewing contacts while observers hoped there were ‘no’ new contracts sealed.The media were crammed into the back of the Oak Room while many complained that they couldn’t see the stage. This was a major organising failure and there had been confusion in handling the media in general.
All in all, the forum disseminated some valuable insights on ideas of international experts.
Minister John Amaratunga, Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena and HR Specialist Dinesh Weerakkody at the event.Audience