Chamber of Commerce’s 10-point proposal

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) has issued a 10-point proposal to newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding several issues the nation faces.

As per a statement shared by the CCC on ‘X’, the issues include the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debt, the on-arrival visa system, and the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The CCC’s 10-point proposal urges the President to prioritize the following 10 areas on the economic front in the first six months of the term;

1 Complete external debt restructuring building on the recent announcement of the commercial creditors. Further, continue with the IMF program to aim for a successful third review and fourth tranche disbursement.

2 The expected changes in expenditure outlined in the Manifesto to be implemented if backed by credible revenue proposals that don’t burden the existing taxpayer. Relook at matters related to revenue collection such as RAMIS and SVAT.

3 Resolve visa on arrival issue immediately

4 Implement Digital Public Infrastructure & Digital ID

5 Commit towards the implementation of the National Single Window for Trade and take steps to achieve the low-hanging fruits that will provide benefits to the trade and people.

6 Form the necessary delivery space for the reforms. The Chamber’s Vision 2030 document recommended a National Implementation Oversight Committee tasked with reform delivery.

7 Implement the legislation related to the Economic Transformation Act, Public Debt Management Act, Public Financial Management and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act

8 Avoid implementing ad-hoc gazettes/circulars that can adversely impact the functioning of the private sector. Changes are to be made in consultation with the private sector and relevant stakeholders.

9 Follow through on the Government Action plan that was prepared based on the IMF Governance Diagnostic Assessment.

10Recommence the Trade Agreement negotiations with China, India & Indonesia.

Sharing its statement, the Ceylon Chamber assured its unstinted commitment and wholehearted support to engage productively with the newly elected President in transforming Sri Lanka towards a developed economy.