The Minister of Finance Honorable Ravi Karunanayake met with the committee members of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently to obtain their views on the upcoming Budget presentation.
The discussion was chaired by Mr. Samantha Ranatunga, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. During discussions, each committee member was given an opportunity to express their views on the upcoming budget and also raise sector related issues with the Honorable Minister.
Accordingly, they brought to the attention of the Minister, several issues plaguing the growth of sectors such as agriculture, taxation, real estate, non-banking, transportation, apparel and confectionery among several other areas.
The Minister of Finance in response said that the government will look into the issues raised by the Chamber’s Committee members and resolve them, if it affects the growth of the mentioned industries.
He also urged the private sector to work closely with the government and utilize the services offered by the newly established private sector unit of the Ministry of Finance, which the Minister feels is not being done adequately.
Mr. Samantha Ranatunga, Chairman of the CCC, thanked the Minister for coming forward to listen to the views of the business community. The meeting took place at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Senior treasury and Chamber officials were present during the meeting.
The CCC Committee, which consists of top corporate executives of the country gathers once a month to discuss the status of the country’s economy and the Chamber’s role in shaping its direction.
Photo – Hon. Minister of Finance speaking at the Chamber, flanked by senior officials of the treasury and the CCC
Discussions ongoing between the Hon. Finance Minister and the Chamber’s committee members