The Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2009 underlines the theme ‘Dawning of a new era… Opportunities and challenges’ organized by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will explore in depth the various strategies available to address challenges, and to make effective use of the new opportunities that would accelerate the economic and social development of the country.

A new era is dawning upon Sri Lanka, where the war that had ravaged the country for three decades has come to an end and the prospects of peace and development emerging to the forefront. The air is full of hope and industrious optimism as people of Sri Lanka prepare to face new challenges.

The war has hampered the country on many fronts for decades and much of the economic and human resources of the country have been wasted on the war. In addition, the globe economy has gone into recession with developed economies recording negative growth and substantial slowdown of emerging economies. The slowdown in economic activities has resulted in business closure and job losses. However The Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2009 will open a new vista of hope for development of the country.

Eminent personality from overseas with experience at senior positions will join hands with senior government officials, public representatives and private sector leaders of Sri Lanka to discuss the globe economic environment and the emerging prospects for the country.

The Summit will discuss important matters on topic relating to the economy, banking, and financial sector, agriculture, dairy, fisheries and tourism, employment, need for English and ICT as business languages and the importance of governance and accountability, both in the private and public sector.

The Summit would pay special emphasis to key challenges confronting the country, which includes post war reconstruction and resettlement, developing the northern and eastern regions, promoting balanced growth and macroeconomic management.

During the sessions the speakers and participants will explore how challenges could be converted into opportunities and opportunities turned into time- bound action plans.

The challenges and opportunities both external and internal would require cohesive effort from all stakeholders and the program for the Summit has been designed to generate fresh ideas, a consensus view and a clear vision for the development of Sri Lanka.

Japanese special envoy, Yashushi Akashi, arrived in Sri Lanka on June 29 to participate in the Sri Lanka Economic Summit at the Colombo Cinnamon Grand Hotel. He delivered the keynote address of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit.

“I am not aware of any other developing country that has faced such a dire challenge and emerged with significant results,” said Akashi at the inauguration of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce organized Sri Lanka Economic Summit.

“And it is rare to find a more beautiful, more natural resource filled, more warm hearted and more talented country like Sri Lanka in the world where even despite the violent conflict that people had to endure, everyone is coming together to rebuild the nation,” he said.

“There is no point blaming the colonial system of divide and rule after 60 years of independence,” he stressed. “You have proven that you can work in unity and solidarity, in friendship and in business and that is a trend that needs to be accelerated now.”

The Sri Lanka Economic Summit will be commenced in Colombo Cinnamon Grand Hotel from 30 June to 2nd July 2009. The technical sessions will be held from July 01 to July 02.