Cricketing legend Aravinda de Silva urges government to maintain consistent policies
Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend, Deputy Chairman of Ideal Motors Aravinda de Silva urged the government to implement a proper plan and maintain a consistent policy to enable the private sector to become the engine of growth.
He was speaking at the launch of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd’s world class range of BS-4 emission norms compliant vehicles in the commercial vehicles and bus segments together with Ideal Motors Ltd in Colombo on Wednesday.
The private sector is making huge investments for new business ventures in accordance with economic development plans of the government, he said adding that frequent policy changes and lack of proper and right plans at the right time made it difficult for doing business in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankans possessed the necessary skills and talents to meet the challenges in an ever-changing digital era but the country is losing skilled manpower due to lack of opportunities as a result of improper planning, he added.
Citing the present plight of Sri Lanka cricket, he said that cricketers possessed necessary skills, techniques and talents, but indiscipline in administration has ruined cricket from top to bottom.
The same thing happened to the present administration in the country and that is why the skilled and talented Sri Lankans are seeking greener pastures, he pointed out.
Mahindra and Mahindra also unveiled “Treo’, the first ever Electric Three Wheeler in the country, at the event.
Mr. de Silva told journalists on the sidelines of the launching ceremony that the new three-wheeler powered by the most advanced Lithium-ion technology can travel 130 km with a 2-hour charge.
Minister of International Trade Malik Samarawickrema said that the government is committed to adopt climate smart strategies and ensure low carbon development pathways.
It will promote sustainable development in Sri Lanka through Blue Green Economic initiatives to achieve both economic and environmental sustainability of the country, he disclosed.
The event also marked the launch of Mahindra Maxximo Heavy Duty (HD) Series, in the commercial vehicles segment.
Speaking at the launch, Arvind Mathew, Chief of International Operations, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd said: “Over the last two decades, Mahindra has established a strong presence in Sri Lanka with trusted partners and a range of new age products. One aspiration of the country is to go all-electric.”
Nalin Welgama, Founder and Executive Chairman Ideal Group, said, India’s Mahindra Group Company would assemble vehicles from complete knock down (CKD) kits with 30 per cent value addition of local components along with Sri Lankan manpower to meet high demand at its factory in Welipenna within the next three months.
The event was graced by Dr. Shilpak Ambule, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, along with senior officials from Mahindra and Ideal Motors.