FCCISL to assist the East

The Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) has stepped in to lead private sector participation in Eastern development following last week’s poll. FCCISL Nawaz Rajabdeen told The Sunday Times FT that they fully endorsed the mandate given to the ruling UPFA by the people in the eastern province and added that the private sector is ready to work with new Chief Minister.

"The Chamber welcomes the action taken by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to develop the Eastern Province after liberating it from the LTTE. The Eastern Province development programme will facilitate our chambers in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee," Rajabdeen said.

He said the chamber will take measures to develop the agro industry and promote local manufacture of sugar and rice based products which will encourage other industries in the area.

FCCISL will also infuse Rs. 200 million to resurrect the agriculture industry in the region and was ready to seek foreign donor funding for the development of this sector.