INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
To achieve this goal, he intends to implement a new program
extensive modernization within the gem and jewellery sector.President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of not only providing tax
foreign exchange earnings
Exhibition organized by the China Fort Gems and Jewellery Trade Association today (11).The exhibition, hosted at the Bentota Cinnamon Bay
Hotel, will run until January 13
President Wickremesinghe, inaugurating the event, actively participated in exploring trade stalls and engaging in friendly conversations
with gem industrialists to better understand their challenges
The China Fort Gems and Jewellery Association presented a souvenir to the President during the occasion.Addressing the ceremony, President
Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a new economic system in the country that is geared towards exports, aiming to generate foreign
exchange and foster economic growth.Addressing the event President Wickremesinghe further said;Welcoming delegations from around the globe
to this gathering is truly a pleasure
Beruwala, renowned as the hub for gems in Sri Lanka, takes pride in hosting this distinguished audience
Our special focus on advancing the gem industry reflects our commitment to its development, a sentiment echoed in my recent budget speech
where I highlighted the formulation of a comprehensive policy framework.In the forthcoming two months, diligent efforts are underway to
Sri Lanka, with its vast potential in gems, stands poised for remarkable progress.As Ian Fleming once immortalized diamonds by saying
Recalling my visit to Shenzhen in 1979, where there was only a paddy field, witnessing its transformation into a diverse economic powerhouse
today is remarkable.However, there is a reciprocal learning opportunity
While tax relief has been a customary request, merely granting concessions without substantial sectoral growth is inadequate
The key lies in concurrent development and strengthening of economic foundations for everyone involved in the industry, alongside fostering
knowledge enhancement for gem polishers.I strongly oppose the proposal to grant tax exemptions merely for individuals to amass personal
My objective is to foster substantial growth in the industry over the next two years, with a particular focus on benefiting the communities
in Beruwala, Ratnapura and Laggala
This approach should not only contribute to the national welfare but also ensure widespread prosperity within the industry.Reflecting on the
challenges our nation faced two years ago, including a severe economic downturn, fuel shortages, fertilizer scarcity and difficulties in
obtaining food, we have successfully overcome those hurdles
The restoration of essential services, facilitated by foreign exchange, marks a significant achievement
is not a sustainable approach
The country must actively strive to earn the foreign exchange it requires
This necessitates the development of a robust export-oriented economy
Leveraging the potential for high income, particularly from the gem industry, we must transition towards economic self-sufficiency and
reduce dependence on external aid
Merely making promises is insufficient; a proactive strategy is needed to create a new economy that can generate foreign exchange for the
Spanning from Beruwala, Aluthgama to Galle, the fishing industry in this region is a global player, competing on an international scale
through our collective endeavours
While words may be spoken, tangible outcomes are indispensable.Setting a target of 2% economic growth for the current year, albeit modest,
We are now on a gradual upward trajectory, with an ambition to elevate economic growth to 5% by 2025
Executing these plans meticulously could facilitate the recovery of the country within a span of five years.Presently, citizens across the
country grapple with the challenge of the rising cost of living
the next two years.The advantage of shaping the future of our nation lies with the youth community
It is crucial to emphasize that we are diligently crafting a robust economy for the prosperity of the upcoming generation.Expressing his
The President is actively addressing and working towards resolving these challenges, leveraging his role as the finance minister, which
uniquely positions him to engage in discussions about taxes
offer solutions to these specific problems remains limited
The President stands as the sole figure capable of providing effective resolutions to the issues at hand.Reflecting on the past, the country
faced a situation where diesel was unavailable, prompting people to protest by barricading petrol stations
The President successfully navigated and resolved this crisis
With the commitment to steering the nation to a better state, the President assures that the country will be handed over in an improved
condition.Ministers of State Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Piyal Nishantha de Silva, former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, former Minister A
Fowzie, Members of Parliament Wajira Abeywardena, Rajitha Senaratne, President of China Fort Gems and Jewellery Trade Association, Member of
Parliament Marjan Faleel were present on this occasion
Hilmi Casim, President of the Gem Sri Lanka 2024 Exhibition, Mr
Rizwan Naeem, Vice President, foreign ambassadors, Chinese representatives and a group of local and foreign guests attended this
