Tamil diaspora should be encouraged to invest here

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Tamil diaspora should be encouraged to invest here

John Keells Group Chairman Susantha Ratnayake yesterday said a concerted effort should be taken by the public and private sector to encourage the Tamil diaspora to make investments in the country particularly in the North and the East.
He was of the view that the Government should introduce an incentive scheme for diaspora members who are willing to invest.
Ratnayake was giving evidence before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission chaired by C R De Silva PC at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute yesterday.
He said the lack of private sector investment puzzled him though 18 months have elapsed since the eradication of terrorism.
He said the private sector should be urged to make more investments across the country with particular emphasis on leisure and tourism industry. He said the members of all communities should have equal rights and privileges. Ratnayake welcomed the Government's initiative in developing the infrastructure facilities in Northern and Eastern regions.
"The Eastern province has achieved substantial progress in terms of infrastructure development".
He said the tourism industry is rapidly developing and the country requires 1.5 US$ billion investment in the leisure industry to cater to 2.5 million tourists in 2015.
Ratnayake said the country should also focus on Foreign Direct Investment sector.
He elaborated the John Keells company's efforts in promoting the English language among students in rural areas. He said the John Keells Foundation has funded a scholarship scheme to promote English language skills as its Corporate Social Responsibility drive.
Meanwhile, Lessons Learnt Commission Chairman C R De Silva PC said the English language will help upward mobility for the younger generation and understand fellow communities. He was of the opinion that English as a link language should be promoted. The Commission Chairman said he was impressed by the program launched by the John Keells Company to promote English among students in rural areas.
He asked Ratnayake whether such a program can be implemented across the country through the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Ratnayake said he would take this matter up with chamber.
Courtesy - Daily news