Maithripala Sirisena

“ When we speak of leaving the traditional economy behind and seeking to aspire to an innovative-production based economy we must also aspire to develop a skilled human resource base. A graduate having to picket on the streets due unemployment must not be the reality in an innovation-based productive economy. When a student graduate the economic pattern created through skills development and market economy, the industry must be awaiting them in order for an innovation-based production economy to be successful. ”

“ As all of us know, according to the political as well as economic trends, strategies and viewpoints in today’s world, the division between state and private sectors is minimal. More than four decades ago, there were divisions among the international community. The world was divided politically and economically. Socialist countries were grossly one-sided and the liberal countries too were one-sided. ”

“ The real question before all of us, is whether the every entrepreneur from high level businessmen to the rambutan seller in the street had the freedom to do their business activities during the past era. We received information about the problems faced by everybody during that period. Because of that, our Government will clearly assure the freedom to every entrepreneur in the country. Through that freedom we can win confidence for the forward march of the country.
It is not suitable for politicians to interfere in business activities or to control Businessmen. ”

“ When we look forward to delivering our promises and responsibilities, we must keep in mind this sad reality that exists in our country today. We must understand the weaknesses of our export sector and the minimal nature of the international availability of our products. We must openly accept this situation and take steps to correct it. We must set our target in the international market and the state and private sectors must unite in making sure that target is met. ”

“ The steadiness of national policies and plans is more important than political stability in achieving the development goals. That is why we introduced a national government to build national conformity on the required policies and plans to develop the country. Therefore, it is important to protect that concept.
Garments and plantation industry products are prominent in our export market. Improving the other sectors is as important as developing of the above two sectors. We are the only country which doesn’t utilize the ocean resource to strengthen the economy. ”

“ For instance, the garment manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka mostly target Western markets like the USA. So it is absolutely crucial we maintain good relationships with these countries.
I must share with you that our government in the past six months have been able to maintain good relationships with every country in the world. No country that is a part of the United Nations is an enemy of ours. They are all our allies. We have been able to maintain a very good image amongst them. We have very clear and good intentions moving forward with national development. ”

“ It is essential that we set higher standards for the local products when targeting the international market. If we look at the respective sectors, the gem industry for instance, I don’t plan to revisit the dirty laundry of the past. Those in the Gem industry must have the freedom to continue their work within the legal framework and regulations provided in this country. ”

“ The trust, full cooperation and the consensus between the State and the Private sector is more important when developing a country.
The trust, full cooperation and the consensus of the small and medium scale industries as well as mega corporations and companies is very important for the Government to enhance cooperation in the field of business. I believe, in order to achieve this objective, the main responsibility lies with the Government. ”

“ We can’t have alliances with one part of the world and isolate the other. Whether it’s the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the SAARC, the IMF or even the ADB we have to maintain a neutral policy. We can’t be more or less preferential towards one. ”

“ As you know, when achieving development goals of the country we have to consider several primary facts such as the economic situation of the country, economic theories as well as the social and economic issues of the country. ”

“ Transparency in state affairs is also a necessity and large part of maintaining rule of law. Also, our foreign policy plays an important role in making sure our targets in the international market are met. ”

“ On the other hand, when the governments change in our country economic policies and development plans also change. When new ministers are elected they change the actions of the ministry according to their personal desires. But the countries closed to ours; India and China do not change their national policies and plans when the governments change. ”

“ The country’s exports had dwindled from 30% of GDP to 13-14 % of GDP, while our contribution into the international market is at around 1%, but in developed countries a significant amount of their GDP is covered by the revenue from exports. ”

“ All the sectors must be prepared to increase the export revenue. This is not something that you or the private sector alone can do. To achieve this target state institutions and private institutions must work closely with each other. We have to encourage state institutions to work with the private sector. ”