Need access to markets, not to migrate, urges SL banking specialist
View(s):A top Sri Lankan banking specialist has urged fellow Tamils in Canada to help those qualified in Sri Lanka with access to markets, not ways of migrating to other lands.Rajendra Theagarajah, Joint Deputy Chairman of Cargills Bank, during a June 9 speech as guest of honour at the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber of Commerce gala and awards ceremony in Toronto, urged innovative Sri Lankan Tamil entrepreneurs in Canada to utilise hundreds of graduates each year produced by the University of Jaffna’s IT computing programme and the new engineering institute of the North in Ariviyal Nagar, Killinochi.“They are hungry and willing. You can offer them access to markets, not assistance to migrate,” the senior banker was quoted as saying in the Canada-based The Sri Lanka Reporter newspaper. “Sri Lanka needs its talents and workers. You can create a bridge to make use of their talent, give them empowerment to construct their own lifestyle.”
He has said that the Canadian Tamils’ Chamber Commerce (made-up of entirely Sri Lankan Tamils) into its 26th year could play a key role to build entrepreneurial bridges between Canada and North East Sri Lanka.“Identify the three chambers in North and East; the Yarl Chamber, the more recent Killinochchi Chamber and the Eastern Chamber and enter into a twining arrangement. What the members of those chambers need is a strong alliance,” said Mr. Theagarajah.
“Being a fellow Tamil, let me tell you, when you as members of the Tamil community extend your hand in capacity building it can be even stronger. Try to share your best practices which you have done here with those chambers.”
The paper said he was impressed by the variety of success stories showcased at the CTCC gala in a range of professions beyond the traditional fields of medicine and engineering.
“From where I come from, the very same pool of talent is still there. What it needs is not a hand out, what it needs is hand holding and access to markets,” he said.