Event management sector pushed into joblessness and penury

By Steve A. Morrell

The negative economic consequences of the pandemic, including job loss suffered by its members, were focused on by the Event Management Association recently.

President, EMA, Roshan Wijeratne said their businesses invested extensively in their ventures ranging from Rs. 10 million to Rs. 800 million .

‘However, because of the non-functional commercial environment, unemployment was rampant in the event management sector.

‘Some 130,000 persons were pushed into unemployment; with dependants and families now relegated to penury and starvation. 600,000 indirect jobs are in jeopardy. Connected dependent families number much more, he explained.

Also at the head table at the press briefing were treasurer, EMA, Nishan Wasalathantri, Vice President Sajith Kodikara, Sec. Saliya Weerasekera. The press was also addressed by Shantha, who said weddings and such events were now side-stepped and an event of such family importance as a wedding did not attract the ceremonial grandeur linked to such events.

Advisory Counsel, EMA Gerry Jayasinghe, said tourism was now non functional, with all such services, including the hotel sector, now in dire straits. Tourism was a major contributor to the economy; but not in the present atmosphere of uncertainty.

He said the EMA, had discussions with the President and relevant ministers but although such discussions were held there have been no positive outcomes.

Although the EMA discussed their professional problems with ministers and officials of government no adequate redress was forthcoming, the EMA said. The alternative was to appeal to the media to adequately publicize their predicament for the information of the public.

The EMA had within its fold about 30 companies or more were, it said.