The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association (FTZMA) Executive Committee and members have extended good wishes to the new Labour Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.

Following is a statement issued by FTZMA Chairman Jatinder Biala and Secretary Dhammika Fernando.

The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association was founded in 1981 approximately three years after the first and so far the largest free trade zone established in Katunayake.

We are the sole trade chamber that represents more than 280 enterprises (FDIS) in all 13 BOI zones in the country. We address the common issues relating to the various aspects of business faced by the member enterprises by liaising with the BOI and other state agencies.

We further take due care of the well-being of our employees whilst sustaining the investors and ensure smooth operations of the enterprises in collaboration with the BOI. We have contributed immensely to promote foreign direct investments (FDI), provided employment and brought in the much-needed foreign earnings, which had contributed to the country’s GDP.

The Free Trade Manufacturers’ Association through its member enterprises, therefore, plays a pivotal role in the national economy and is shaping it up while providing direct and in-direct employment plus means of living for hundreds of thousands people in the vicinity.

We, therefore, are eagerly looking forward to your utmost support to strengthen well-disciplined and effective work practices at all government institutions, including the Labour Ministry, with progressive fiscal policies for the well-being of the employees working in our member enterprises in the free trade zones, islandwide.

The FTZMA is also an Employer Member of the National Labour Advisory Council since its inception.

We are confident that under your leadership, your ministry could contribute to the socioeconomic progress of Sri Lanka through the establishment of a decent work environment within secured industrial peace, while protecting labour rights in making Sri Lanka as a country with everlasting industrial peace for an internationally competitive economy.