SL’s top business chambers urge organisers to call off mass protest due on Wednesday

Sri Lanka’s top business chambers on Tuesday urged organisers of a mass protest against the government scheduled for Wednesday (November 2) to call it off saying it would be detrimental to the economy.

The statement was issued by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Chamber of Young Lanka Entrepreneurs (COYLE), Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL), National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) and the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC).

The statement of concern over a mass protest tomorrow by trade unions, backed by the political opposition, along with other groups came after two associations representing hotels and the travel trade expressed their concern over the protest, saying it would impact on tourist arrivals which are just picking up.

“While recognising their freedom of speech and right to express views, the chambers request all parties to call off protests of this nature that could undermine the efforts being taken to resolve the current economic crisis with the support of the international community,” Tuesday’s statement said.

It said any act of destabilisation taking place at this time and any negative publicity arising from it would seriously derail actions that are being taken to revive the economy including the efforts being taken to promote tourism. “A few airlines have agreed to commence flights to Sri Lanka and given the high cost of energy in Europe during the winter, Sri Lanka will have an ideal opportunity to attract tourists which will support the hospitality industry that has been badly affected since the Easter attacks. In addition, any instability can affect the recovery process for exports and foreign investment too,” it said.

The chambers appealed to all parties to divert their energies and resources towards encouraging positive reforms and focus on how the country can recover as a nation instead of engaging in acts that can further damage the economy and place more burdens on the people of this country.