Chambers cannot dictate people on rights - Harsha

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Opposition Lawmaker Dr. Harsha De Silva says that it is not the business of the country's Business Chambers to pontificate to Sri Lanka people on their democratic rights, though he appreciates the good work done by them.

He was reacting to a statement made by six chambers with ahead of Wednesday's (2) protest in Colombo.

Six major business chambers in Sri Lanka called for the halting of anti-government protests that they say could undermine efforts taken to stabilize the economy. 

In a joint statement, the chambers added that negative publicity could seriously derail action that are being taken to revive the economy, particularly the efforts taken to revive tourism.

'Any act of destabilization taking place at this time and any negative publicity arising from it would seriously derail actions that are being taken to revive the economy including the efforts being taken to promote tourism' the statement read.

Pointing out that a few airlines have agreed to commence flights to Sri Lanka and given the high cost of energy in Europe during the winter, Sri Lanka will have an ideal opportunity to attract tourists which will support the Hospitality industry, the Chambers say that  any instability can affect the recovery process for exports and foreign investment too.

'We appeal to all parties to divert their energies and resources towards encouraging positive reforms and focus on how we recover as a nation instead of engaging in acts that can further damage the economy and place more burdens on the people of this country' the statement mentioned.

The statement was issued by the following Chambers:

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC)

Chamber of Young Lanka Entrepreneurs (COYLE)

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)

International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL)

National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) 

Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC)