The country’s premier private sector lobby group, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday expressed grave concerns about the far-reaching adverse consequences of certain actions being taken by the Government on economic activity such as tourism, trade, exports and e-commerce dependent on social media platforms, while appreciating the need to maintain law and order and public security in the country.
“The adverse coverage Sri Lanka is getting on international media, particularly on the imposition of a State of emergency can cause serious damage at a time when the tourism sector is just beginning to stage a recovery,” the Chamber said issuing a statement yesterday.
“The impact of these restrictions on the freedom of speech and other fundamental rights of the people can damage the reputation of Sri Lanka at a time when we badly need the goodwill of the international community to recover from current economic challenges,” it said.
The Chamber also calls on the Government to communicate the reasons that have led to the introduction of such harsh measures.
It also requests the various authorities responsible for the availability of fuel, electricity and gas to communicate clearly on the current status, which is of immediate concern to both businesses and public at large, particularly if improvement can be expected in the near future.
(FT)