Tamil diaspora should be encouraged to invest here- John Keels Chairman Ratnayake

Tamil diaspora should be encouraged to invest here
Susantha Chaminda Ratnayake ia Sri Lankan businessman. At age 47, he became the youngest-ever Chairman of Sri Lanka's foremost conglomerate, John Keells Holdings, when he succeeded Vivendra Lintotawela on January 1, 2006.
Ratnayake studied at Trinity College, Kandy, until he finished his O levels and finished his secondary education at Royal College, Colombo. At the age of 19 he joined Mackinnons Travel as a trainee executive working under the mentorship of Tyrell Mutthiah, who died young. Susantha moved up fast within the John Keells group, and was appointed a Director of the main group along with Ajith Gunawardne.

Tamil diaspora should be encouraged to invest here John Keells Group Chairman Susantha Ratnayake yesterday said a concerted effort should be taken by the public and private sector to encourage the Tamil diaspora to make investments in the country particularly in the North and the East.
He was of the view that the Government should introduce an incentive scheme for diaspora members who are willing to invest.
Ratnayake was giving evidence before the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission chaired by C R De Silva PC at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute yesterday.
He said the lack of private sector investment puzzled him though 18 months have elapsed since the eradication of terrorism.
He said the private sector should be urged to make more investments across the country with particular emphasis on leisure and tourism industry. He said the members of all communities should have equal rights and privileges. Ratnayake welcomed the Government's initiative in developing the infrastructure facilities in Northern and Eastern regions.
"The Eastern province has achieved substantial progress in terms of infrastructure development".
He said the tourism industry is rapidly developing and the country requires 1.5 US$ billion investment in the leisure industry to cater to 2.5 million tourists in 2015.
Ratnayake said the country should also focus on Foreign Direct Investment sector.
He elaborated the John Keells company's efforts in promoting the English language among students in rural areas. He said the John Keells Foundation has funded a scholarship scheme to promote English language skills as its Corporate Social Responsibility drive.
Meanwhile, Lessons Learnt Commission Chairman C R De Silva PC said the English language will help upward mobility for the younger generation and understand fellow communities. He was of the opinion that English as a link language should be promoted. The Commission Chairman said he was impressed by the program launched by the John Keells Company to promote English among students in rural areas.
He asked Ratnayake whether such a program can be implemented across the country through the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Ratnayake said he would take this matter up with chamber.
Courtesy - Daily news
John Keels sponsors "Virudana Gee Sara" musical concert

John Keels Holdings as the main sponsor of the "Virudana Gee Sara" musical concert handed over the sponsorship cheque to Seva Vanitha Unit of the Ministry of Defence today, (07 Sep).
Representing the John Keels Holdings Mr. Jinendra Gunarathna handed over the cheque to Mrs. Indu Rathnayake deputy chairperson of the SVU and additional secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
The SVU has organized the "Virudana Gee Sara" musical concert to raise funds for ongoing welfare programmes initiated for the benefit of war heroes.
Director General of Media Center for National Security Mr. Lakshman Hulugalla and several officials from the SVU participated at the event.