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Lanka: high social development but low
economic growth A study on the Human Development of Sri Lanka by the United Nations Development Project has found that while Sri Lanka has achieved a high level of social development it has failed in attaining substantial economic growth. At the launch of the country's first human development report at the Lanka Oberoi on Wednesday, it was disclosed that while the value of the Sri Lankan human development index ranked 91 among the 175 nations, it was placed 82 in terms of real per capita incomes. According to the Team Leader of the six member Research Team, Dr. Harsha Athurupana of the Department of Economics of the University of Colombo, the overall position of the country in terms of human development was also, "nowhere near enough". "Although the performance of the country is reasonably good it is nowhere near enough. Despite the relatively high attainment in social development Sri Lanka has performed unsatisfactorily in the area of economic well being, in terms of GDP per capita (adjusted for local prices.) "The purchasing power adjusted GDP per capita of Sri Lanka is above the average for developing countries and the mean for least developed countries. But it is considerably below the world average," it added. The systematic and deliberate pursuit of anti-market policies during certain periods in the past was cited as the main contributor for the failure of the country's economy in generating higher levels of growth and income. "These policies stifled economic incentives and weakened market opportunities so that the human resource base built through social investments could not be sufficiently exploited. Fast growing countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea not only exceeded Sri Lanka in income levels but also left the country far behind in social improvements," it reported. Dr. Aturupana says in the report that while districts like Colombo, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Gampaha, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa were among the high achievers of human development the districts of Kandy, Moneragala, Badulla, and Matara were among the low, as the per capita incomes of these districts were relatively low. The survey cites that Kalutara district has achieved the highest in human development followed closely by Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Gampaha and Colombo. "The district that has made the least progress in human development is surprisingly Kandy," he added. Kalutara has recorded a GDP index of 0.996 while Colombo has recorded 0.847 and Kandy 0.649. He revealed that the economic disparities between the different regions have been narrowing overtime. "The areas of the country that has performed best, in economic terms are regions that enjoyed rapid growth in the agricultural sector. This is partly a reflection on the heavy dependence of the economy in most areas on agriculture and services." While industrial growth has supported the growth performances of Gampaha and Colombo, industry has not spread to the other regions, due mainly to the lack of physical infrastructure, the report noted. The report recommends the promotion of regionally balanced progress human development specially economic growth and living standards and the rapid expansion of economic activities capable of generating strong demand for educated labour. It also notes that while in the past mainly agriculture and irrigation provided for economic growth it does not provide educated labour". "Educated workers seek employment in the industrial and service sectors, hence these sectors need to be developed," it adds. It also recommends that while the private sector may be allowed implementation of physical infrastructure projects, the government should essentially get directly involved in the financing of the projects. "The pattern of major investment in industrial and commercial economic activities is heavily influenced by the availability of physical infrastructure, especially roads, electricity, communications access to Colombo harbour and the international airport. "Future economic policy should place strong emphasis on expanding physical infrastructure to promote growth reflecting the comparative advantages of different regions," it said. Top Japanese economic delegation due next week A top level Japanese delegation will arrive in Colombo next week for the annual consultation meeting on economic co-operation. The consultation will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday "At the meeting, the strategy for effective co-operation and individual requests for Japanese loan assistance for next year will be discussed." First Secretary M. Takada (Information and Cultural Affairs) said yesterday. The delegation will be led by Director, Loan Aid Division of the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Yutaka Yokoi. Delegation includes Mr. Kazuhisa Hasegawa (Senior Assistant for participation of private sector in Economic Infrastructure Development, Economic Cooperation Division, Ministry of International Trade and Industry), Yukuo Murata (Official, Loan Aid Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Massami Mori (Chief Official, Development Finance Division, Ministry of Finance), Takayuki Kamae (Senior Researcher, Second Economic Cooperation Division, Economic Planning Agency), Taisaku Hirasawa (Assistant Director, Second International Affairs Division, Ministry of Transport), Motohiro Seki (Official, International Cooperation Planning Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) (Advisor), Hachirou Ida (Director, Third Division, OECF Headquarters). Central Bank says currency notes legally valid Referring to the UNP's demand to withdraw currency, which it claimed had been issued contrary to the monetary law, the Central Bank yesterday said in a statement that the call for withdrawal has been based on a mistaken assumption that the notes have been issued contrary to the provisions of the Monetary Law Act and therefore are invalid. The Central Bank confirms that the currency notes have been issued in conformity with the provisions of the Monetary Law Act, and there is no cause to doubt their validity. They are, therefore, legal tender for payment for any transaction. In terms of the Monetary Law Act, the following requirements have to be satisfied for a currency note to be valid.
The impugned notes comply with all the above requirements and, therefore, are legally valid. There is no legal requirement that a currency note should bear a date. However, for purpose of identification and records, the Central Bank causes a date to be printed on each note. The currency notes of several other countries, including USA do not bear a date. In USA a year is printed on currency notes to identify the series. The printing of the date and the issue of the impugned notes have been done in accordance with long standing and well established practice of the bank. In the light of the foregoing, the impugned notes are valid as legal tender and, therefore, there is no reason to withdraw them, the Central Bank said. Jayasikuru troops last Wednesday afternoon killed at least three terrorists during a small group operations in the general area of Chenkavattimodai. Troops did not suffer casualties military sources said. In a separate incident troops operating in Paranthan shot dead two terrorists on the same day. Meanwhile at Uriyan in Jaffna troops in ambush shot and wounded at least two terrorists. However they have managed to escape, military sources said. Netherlands grants Rs. 90m for East housing project Netherlands has agreed to provide grant assistance in a sum of NLG 2.5 mn (approximately Rs. 90mn) in support of Sri Lanka's housing reconstruction programme in the Eastern Province, Finance Ministry sources said. These funds will be utilized for the reconstruction of 3000 houses in 10 Divisional Secretaries' Division in the Trincomalee district and 500 houses in the Kalmunai Divisional Secretary's Division in the Ampara district. This project will be implemented by the Rehabilitation of Persons, Properties and Industries Authority (REPPIA). This contribution is a follow-up of two earlier projects financed by the Netherlands Government on Housing Reconstruction and the Reconstruction of Social Infrastructure in the Ampara district which were successfully implemented and completed recently. The grant agreement was signed last week in the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Communist Party leader Y. P. de Silva [National List MP] passed away yesterday at his Keppetipola Mawatha residence. He was a leading figure in the leftist movement who had his political blend from leaders like Dr. Colvin R. de Silva, P. H. William de Silva and Dr. Wijayananda Dahanayake. He had his education at Revatha Vidyalaya, Balapitiya. He started his life as a clerk in the CWE in 1952 and was sacked from the job for taking part in the 'Hartal' (passive resistance). He was reinstated only in 1956 after Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike came to power. His wife Dulcie, a teacher working in Kegalle those days, worked with him shoulder to shoulder. He became the secretary of the CP branch Kegalle and in 1962 he was the district secretary of the CP. Mr. Silva worked with Premalal Kumarasiri and N. Shanmugathasan to form the Chinese Wing of the Communist Party. He left the party in 1964 when the United Front Government was defeated by one vote and formed an organisation called 'Aramuna' and engaged in revolutionary politics. He was taken into custody during the 1971 insurgency. After his release from prison he worked with the SLFP and the Ceylon Tourist Board. But during the 1980 strike he was sacked again from his job, at the Tourist Board. To contest on PA ticket or not: Muslim
Congress decision today SLMC's General Secretary Rauff Hakeem yesterday said that the party will decide today [5] whether to go ahead with the earlier decision by the politburo to contest the forthcoming North-Western Provincial Council poll under the party's own symbol. The SLMC two weeks ago decided to contest the forthcoming poll and all future elections independently. Mr. Hakeem told The Island that following a request by President Chandrika Kumaratunga earlier this week, the party politburo met on Wednesday [3] night to discuss the issues involved before changing the earlier decision to go it alone. The party leader A. H. M. Ashraff, Deputy Minister M. L. A. M. A. Hisbullah, MP Abu Bakar and Rauff Hakeem had been among approximately two dozen politburo members who took part in the Wednesday's meeting. Mr. Hakeem admitted that they were unable to take a final decision during the four hour meeting which ended around 2 am on Thursday. "There were arguments both for and against the earlier decision," he revealed adding that the politburo at the end the of the discussions wanted a higher body to take a decision. He described this particular body as the "High Command" It comprised about ten persons including Minister Ashraff and Mr. Hakeem. Asked whether all "High Command" members were in the Politburo, he replied in the positive. They will meet at the party headquarters today to announce a final decision, he said. He declined to comment on any possibilities. He admitted that the party was under pressure to revert its earlier decision. Senior SLFP MPs have pointed out to the SLMC that if it failed to contest under one banner it will considerably weaken the PA. Within days after the SLMC announced its decision to go it alone, the PA leaders have sought to iron out differences among them to persuade the SLMC to contest under one symbol. The President too has sought SLMC's co-operation, The Island learns. The President has summoned North -Western Province party organisers for a special meeting at her Secretariat yesterday, political sources said. It was to be followed by another meeting attended by party organisers from several other provinces. Political sources said that the President and several other seniors were to impress upon the organisers of the need to secure the North-Western Provincial Council. The poll is expected to take place in late next month or early February. Kurunegala District MP and the Deputy Minister of Indigenous Medicine S. B. Nawinna yesterday told The Island that he will resign his seat next Monday [7] to contest the poll. Two other ruling party MPs will resign for the same purpose he said declining to name them. Navinne, already selected as the PA Chief Ministerial candidate said that he has no doubt the SLMC will contest with the PA. Each party will have to field 66 candidates [38 for Kurunegala and 18 for Puttalam] for the province. Mr. Nawinna had entered politics in 1977 leading the SLFP campaign at Wariyapola and two years later was appointed the party organiser. He first entered Parliament after securing the highest number of preferences for an opposition MP in the Kurunegala District. In May 1993 he resign his parliamentary seat for the first time to contest the North-Western Provincial Council poll. He re-entered parliament in August 1994. He said that he was confident of winning the poll. Political sources said that Mr. Nawinna was most likely to contest Chief Minister post with UNP Kurunegala District MP Gamini Jayawickrema Perera or the former Chief Minister Nimal Bandara. Asked to comment, Mr. Perera who was also a former Chief Minister of the North-Western province told The Island yesterday that contrary to reports he had not taken a final decision whether to resign his seat to contest the poll. "The party wanted me to contest," he said adding that he was ready to accept the challenge if they [leaders] really wanted him to contest the crucial NWP poll. Mr. Perera said that by Saturday he will be able to give a firm answer. "If I had to resign this time it will be the second occasion for the same reason to contest the NWP poll," he said. Puttalam District MP Asoka Wadigamangawa who was also expected to resign his parliamentary seat to contest was not available to comment. Perera said that there was no difference between his position and Mr. Wadigamangawa's. "He too will be ready to resign and contest if the party really wanted to," Perera said. Mr. Perera had commenced political activity with his entry to Hamangalla Village Council in 1968. He had entered parliament in 1977 winning the Katugampola electorate. In 1988 he became the Chief Minister of the North-Western Province but resigned in 1993 to accept a cabinet portfolio under President D. B. Wijetunga's administration. He said that there were many requests from various people for him to come forward. "But no final decision has been taken," he said yesterday morning. Wadigamgawa was not available for comment. Mr. Wadigamangawa entered parliament in 1980 after winning the Anamaduwa by-election. He too had held a cabinet portfolio. Political sources said that many MPs were reluctant to lose their parliamentary seats to contest provincial level polls. The forthcoming poll is crucial for both the PA and the UNP, party sources said. The PA, sources said will try to test people's response for its controversial devolution package through the forthcoming poll. Meanwhile the leader of the DUNLF Mrs. Srimani Athulathmudali yesterday told The Island that she will take a decision on her party's stand within a few days. Asked whether she will be supporting the PA in the forthcoming poll, she said that "I will give you an answer next week," Nominations have to be filed by or before next Tuesday [8]. Political sources said that Mrs. Athulathmudali was most likely to support the PA or take a neutral stand. The possibility of her siding with the UNP is slim, sources said. State violated rights of judicial
officer declares SC The Supreme Court in a recent judgement declared that the state had violated the fundamental rights of a judicial officer, by erroneously calculating her date of retirement. The Supreme Court directed the Director of Pensions to compute the pension of retired District Judge, Mrs. C. M. M. Prematillake, taking into account that her date of retirement was 1.1.97, thereby, making her eligible to benefit by the revised salary scales, that came into force on 1.1.97. In this case the petitioner stated in her petition that she was born on 1.1.37 and that having joined the judicial service as a Magistrate in 1979, she was promoted as District Judge (subsequently super grade) which post she continued till 1.1.97, on which date she completed the sixtieth year. The petitioner averred that the Director General of Establishments, the second respondent, had maintained that her date of retirement was 31.12.96 and not, 1.1.97 and had informed the secretary to the Judicial Services Commission, that since the last day, on which the petitioner, should have worked, was 31.12.96 thus she was not entitled to any payments in respect of her services on 1.1.97. The Secretary J.S.C. had thereupon directed the Director Pensions to calculate the petitioner's pension on the basis of her last working date, as 31.12.96, thus depriving her of the benefits of the new increased salary scale which came into force on 1.1.97 by Public Administration Circular No. 2/97, dated 15.1.97. The petitioner complained to the Supreme Court that her pension, which was calculated under the earlier salary scale reduced her commuted pension by Rs. 166,800/- and reduced her pension, by Rs. 6255/- monthly. The Supreme Court in their judgement, stated that the question that arises for decision is whether the effective date of retirement was 1.1.97 or 31.12.96 as maintained by the Director General of Establishments. Tilak Marapana PC submitted that the correct date for the purpose of computation of the petitioner's pension would be 1.1.97. He submitted that the fact that the petitioner worked on 1.1.97 must not hinder the computation of the pension on the question as to what should be the actual date of retirement. The second respondent the Director General of Establishments had stated that the date of the petitioner's retirement is 31.12.96 and not 1.1.97. This the D. G. Establishments said was on the basis that 31.12.96 was the last day on which the petitioner was needed to report for work. What the court held was clearly an error as what is required is not the last working day, but the day on which according to Section (17) of the Pensions Minutes, the petitioner attained the compulsory age of retirement of 60 years, which in this case was 1.1.97. It is also clear that the petitioner's time of birth was totally irrelevant to the issue, in as much as the time of birth is nowhere mentioned in the rules relating to retirement or the grant of the pension. It appears that the second respondent (D.G.E.) has erroneously calculated the petitioner's date of retirement basing himself on the additional factor of the time of her birth. Mr. Marapana also referred to a document whereby the Attorney General had stated quite clearly, that the petitioner completed the age of 60 years, on 1.1.97 at the end of that day and that for the purpose of computing the petitioner's pension the relevant date should be 1.1.97. The SC held that the position taken by DGE was untenable and must therefore be rejected and declared that the petitioner's fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 12 (1) has been violated and also that the petitioner's pension should be computed on the salary drawn by her as at the date of her retirement - 1.1.97 and further that the petitioner was entitled to have her pension computed according to the revised salary scale which came into effect on 1.1.97. Tilak Marapana PC with Nalin Ladduwahetty and Jayantha Fernando, instructed by Thangarajah, appeared for the petitioner Mrs. C. M. M. Prematillake. K. Sripavan, Deputy Solicitor General, appeared for the respondents. The judgement by Justice S. W. B. Wadugodapitiya with Justices (Dr.) Asoka de Z. Gunewardene and D. P. S. Gunesekera. Recipients of NIBM awards in computer
technology Two hundred and twenty eight students received their Diplomas at the Diploma Awards Ceremony '98, of the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM) this week. The chief guest, Minister of Industrial Development C. V. Gooneratne said that the success is measured by the service rendered and not by the number of years. In this manner the excellent service NIBM offers is commendable. It has provided the knowledge and the training the country requires for the past 30 years and also has become the pioneers in the computer field. The Minister said that Sri Lanka is one of the countries with lowest productivity. The country has a skilled work force. The flexibility is there. But productivity is low. If we can increase the productivity, the development of this country would not be a problem. To face the challenges of the 21st century, the maximum use of minimum resources is important. The productivity being the measurement of efficiency in producing the output, the requirement of the country is to produce trained and developed skills. The role played by NIBM in this regard is vital and it also suits the changing needs of the time, he added. The national development is much wider than economic development. In dealing with national development and productivity, one should possess the qualities such as patriotism, honesty and discipline. The society today, recognises the material development. The building up a productivity culture is necessary. Parliament has passed the science and Technology Act. This will help in developing the related fields, Minister noted. The Japanese concepts named Kaisan and 5 S system can be use as a part of corporate culture and practice in day to day life to achieve desired results which is important in making progress. Today the world is changing fast and there is no manpower planning to match the needs of the country. This imbalance must be corrected. The heart of the matter is we do not have a demand derive education system. The educational reforms introduced by the government will be of help, to overcome this problem, he pointed out. The human resource planning is important for the purpose of satisfying the needs and the goals of the organisations concerned. The hands off attitude is wrong. There should be a complimentary attitude. With a view to meet the changing world, the same dedication should be made available to the younger generation to come which will enable them to face the new millennium, Minister observed. Prof. W. D. Lakshman and Prof. A. D. V. de S. Indraratna also addressed the awards ceremony. CWC refused leave to appeal in contempt proceedings by V. Varathasuntharam The Court of Appeal which heard the petition by Ceylon Workers Congress to discharge CWC leader S. Thondaman and its Secretary S. A. R. Thondaman from contempt proceedings before Colombo District Court and to reject the charge sheet, refused to grant leave to appeal last week. The Bench comprised President of the Court of Appeal Justice Ameer Ismail and Justice Shiranie Thilakawardena. President's Counsel Romesh de Silva submitted that on March 6, 1998, the District Court had issued an enjoining order. The notice of enjoining order and summons had not been served on the CWC. On March 19, 1998, the plaintiff S. Sellasamy made an application to the District Court to punish the defendent respondent CWC leader and its Secretary for committing an offence of contempt of Court on the basis that they had convened a regular conference of Ceylon Workers Congress on March 8. His clients raised a preliminary objection before Colombo District Court on the basis that proper summons had not been served and that in any event no charge sheet had been served. Court thereafter made an order to re-issue summons. On July 14, the counsel for the defendants raised a preliminary objection on the basis that the purported charge sheet was defective in law. The learned District Judge delivered an order over-ruling the objections. Senior Counsel Romesh de Silva argued that on March 6, 1998 Court issued on enjoining order preventing the defendants from organising or holding a conference of the Ceylon Workers' Congress. In terms of the charge sheet, they have been prevented from convening a conference. Court has no power to charge the defendants on breach of an enjoining order which had not been issued by Court. Mr. Silva argued that refusing to accept an enjoining order or refusing to be present in Court is not an offence of contempt of court in law. Attorney-at-law Kandiah Jayakrishnan appearing for S. Sellasamy, petitioner respondent submitted that contempt of Court was a serious criminal offence. If the case was merely a legal issue, the matter can be adjudicated by Court of Appeal. But in a contempt of Court inquiry, facts, are vital. It is only after a proper inquiry by Court, the question of contempt could be determined. Mr. Jayakrishnan argued that it was premature to come before Court of Appeal before an adjudication by the District Court. Romesh de Silva with Palitha Kumarasinga and CWC lawyer K. Senathiraja instructed by De Silva and Gunasekera appeared for CWC. Kandiah Jeyakrishnan with Mrs. K. Jesudasan appeared for S. Sellasamy. Police hunt for sea Tiger deputy's
associates Police anti-terrorism unit sleuths in Colombo are hunting for the associates of arrested deputy Sea Tiger leader Vasiharan, who had been sent to the city by the LTTE leadership to launch an attack on the Colombo port, senior police sources said. Vasiharan, the second-in-command of the Sea Tiger wing led by Soosai fell into the hands of the police early this week. The other men of the group he led had given the slip after their boss was arrested, police said. Vasiharan was caught while staying in a hotel close to the Colombo port. Some maps of the port were also found in his possession,, according to police investigators. The fugitive is now being grilled by police anti-terrorism operatives. His - associates had melted away after his arrest and attempts made so far to round them had proved unsuccessful, police said. 'Investigations are on' SSP Gerard Ignatius said. Former mayor says disconnecting water supply for two months' arrears unfair A former Colombo Mayor and one time Vice Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) Ratnasiri Rajapakse said in a media statement that it's grossly unfair for the Water Board to disconnect water supply of consumers whose bills are two months in arrears. Mr. Rajapakse says: In the 1994 general election and the Presidential poll, People's Alliance promised to do away with the levy on water. But what did really happen after People's Alliance came into power? It increased the water tax in 1996, 1997 and 1998 causing untold hardships to the people. During the period 1977 to 1991 when I was Deputy Chairman and Acting Chairman of Water Board, through proper discipline and monetary controls, I was able to allow the people to settle their water bills in arrears in 10 to 12 monthly instalments. This was done after considering the plight of their living conditions," he stated. In 1994 the People's Alliance government came to power and when the UNP handed over the Water Board there was an investment of Rs. 1400 million on Treasury Bills. But this amount had been incorrectly entered in the accounts as Rs. 2717 million and Rs. 1000 million wasted on unnecessary expenditure. When the error was detected there was no money in the Board, Mr. Rajapakse alleged. Employees cost of living payments had been calculated erroneously and payments had been made from June 1994, he further alleged. It is the people who have to suffer for all these sins. Now, if there are two months arrears of water supply bills, the water supply is being disconnected. I appeal to Minister, Indika Gunawardena to consider these facts and grant some solace to the suffering people, he said. Kids Cause - a worthy project to contribute Kids Cause, a charity programme for destitute children in 173 orphanages around the country by the Lions Club District 306 C together with MBC Networks (Yes FM, Sirasa FM, Shakthi FM radio stations) started collection of funds last Tuesday (1). Estimated to raise approximately Rs. 20 million by December 1999, the project hopes to offer scholarships to destitute children. The project will collect gifts and cash at collection points around the country, to be initially distributed among the children in the orphanages, on December 27, by members of 50 Lion's Clubs countrywide. A special bank account has also been opened to collect funds to establish the scholarship fund for the children according to the organisers. Funds could be deposited in to the "LIONS/MBC Kids Cause Scholarship A/C No. 601597", Seylan Bank, Cinnamon Gardens, Co. 7. All persons willing to contribute are requested to contact the organisers on 077-344744/6 where they would be informed of a collection point nearest to them. Apparel manufacturers' exhibition all
under one roof AISEX '99 an exhibition which aims to bring all suppliers and service organisations that are required by the apparel manufacturers under one roof, will be held from March 18-20 next year. The event organised by the Sri Lanka Apparel Institute will be held at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Hall. The exhibition will focus on a wide range of accessories and services related to the apparel industry and will display the latest range and developments in the industry. Prof. Lakdas Fernando speaking at the launch of AISEX which was held recently said that this exhibition would provide a platform for entrepreneurs in the country. This would give investors, machine suppliers and manufacturers a chance to meet and establish contacts and help bring about a development in the country. He said that this would enable them to see what latest technology they can bring in to the country and thus gear themselves to meet advancing technology. This is the third time this exhibition is being held and we have pitched at a higher level this year. We want to bring it to the same level as other International apparel exhibitions he said. Chief guest, Mr. Kingsley T. Wickramaratne Minister of Food and Trade said that the textile and garment industry has been the largest export revenue earner for Sri Lanka, for the past few years. In recognition of the potential of this industry the government has provided many incentives such as duty waiver on the import of machinery and making all intermediate and capital goods used in garment industry non dutiable. Sri Lanka as a world renowned expert has a large manufacturing base which has attracted many suppliers to this industry from all over the globe he said. As a result SL is fast emerging as a sourcing centre for suppliers and for manufacturers from neighbouring countries. He said that he was happy that the organisers of AISEX have targeted exhibitors and buyers from the SAARC region in a big way. It is clear that international companies have taken this exhibition seriously and are going to use it as a launch for their products the minister said citing the example of "Juki". He wished the organisation all success in this endeavour. Mr. Thilan Wijesinghe, Chairman, Board of Investments (BOI) who was guest of honour taking up a point mentioned by Prof. Fernando said that the facilities needed for an International exhibition of this calibre were woefully inadequate. He pointed out that there was no suitable building in Colombo to house an exhibition of this nature. He said that the government and private sector should forge together and make a collective gesture towards achieving this. The government could provide the land for this project but it would need the support of both the government and private sector to forge ahead he said. In the past two years the exhibition was held, a total of 190 stalls have been given out, while 21 countries have displayed their products. This year the organisers estimate a target of 200 stalls. As a part of a promotional campaign for the exhibition marketing teams have been sent to countries like India, Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Singapore. The estimated number of trade participants for AISEX '99 is 7000. This includes 5000 from Sri Lanka. The exhibition will be open 95% of the time to trade only. About 50% of the visitors will come into the exhibition with pre-scheduled appointments arranged by the organisers. Some of the new technology to be introduced at AISEX will be the Buyer Seller Meet Mart, a new system of buyer seller pre-arranged appointment management system, Pre/Post Appointment Coordination, Investment in Sri Lanka Coordination Program. Some of the International companies which will participate in the exhibition include Juki with 44 stalls, Gerber with 8, Pfaff with 4 and Lectra with 7 stalls. |
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