Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC Annual Report 2011 - Carson and ...

Chief Executive’s Review Cont.
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Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC
Annual Report 2011
However, it is noteworthy that the Country is still largely riding on the sentiments that arose out of the
defeat of the LTTE in May 2009. It is now 2 years since this event and positive sentiment alone will not
sustain the growth momentum for much longer into the future. A process of policy led consolidation
is critical if Sri Lanka is to emerge as a strong sustainable economy. Whilst many changes have been
implemented there are still some significant issues that need to be addressed. 2 are worthy of mention.
The underlying conditions that led to the 30 year conflict must be resolved soon. The end of the conflict 2
years ago presented Sri Lanka with a momentous opportunity to address the issues that gave rise to the
war. It is an opportunity that the people of Sri Lanka must not let slip by.
To sustain the impressive economic growth of the last 2 years, Sri Lanka needs to attract foreign direct
investment (FDI). FDI is also a vital source of technology transfer. In terms of stability, the end of the war
has brought Sri Lanka on par with nations that compete for FDI. Now Sri Lanka needs to find a unique
advantage to attract the necessary FDI or in the alternative, outperform competing nations in terms of the
standard parameters that investors look for.
The challenges that the Country faces in the medium term are considerable. Yet, Sri Lanka can take hope
from a stable political climate and a popular & credible presidency to lead the Nation to a prosperous future.
The run up to May 2009 demonstrated the courage & resolve of the incumbent President when in the face
of tremendous pressure from the international community, he stood firm to bring to an end the scourge of
terrorism. Sri Lankan must hope that the same courage & resolve would be brought be bear on the other
fundamental challenges facing the Nation.
Conclusion
The year under review has certainly been a good one. The year ahead looks promising as well. Your
Company’s superb portfolio of brands, benchmark distribution systems, state of the art manufacturing
process and outstanding human resources provide it a strong platform from which it can aggressively seek
opportunities to grow volumes, margins & profits.
In concluding the review of the previous year, the statement was made that for Lion Brewery, the best is
yet to come. Notwithstanding the results of the year under review, that statement continues to hold true
even as of today.
(Sgd.)
Suresh K. Shah
Chief Executive
Colombo
26th May 2011