A development - oriented mission

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Sri Lanka fought a bitter war with the LTTE for almost 30 years and all previous Governments gave priority to the war. But the war was used as a convenient excuse to neglect development and welfare of the people.

But none of the past leaders took bold decisions and gave leadership as done by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to win the war. Whatever the Army, Navy and Air Force wanted was provided and most importantly he gave an assurance that the humanitarian operation launched after the closure of Mavil Aru would not be stalled. Soldiers knew that this was the final battle and would be the golden opportunity to end the 30-year-old conflict ending the suffering of the nation.

Yet, President Mahinda Rajapaksa never cited the war or war expenditure as a reason for stalling development projets. On the other hand, many mega development projects were started at the height of the war effort. In fact, it was another 'war' in terms of development and economic growth.

He was not keen on just improving on the ongoing projects but he launched a series of infrastructure development projects which were only talked about for decades. The Kotmale hydropower generation project was a controversial subject for politicians due to the relocation of families and many other environmental issues. However once again the true leadership of the President came into play and this project is now a reality.

Similarly, Coal Fired Power plants in Norochcholai and Sampur in Trincomalee were also launched and the public would enjoy the fruits of these projects in a few years' time. The Uma Oya project too has got off the ground and with several other similar projects Sri Lanka would soon be able to erase the tagline 'Sri Lanka has the highest electricity tariffs in Asia.'

The high electricity tariff was a major issue for industrialists and hoteliers and they are now eagerly looking forward to better times.

Hambantota was one of the most underprivileged areas in Sri Lanka with the least development taking place. This led to youth frustration paving the way for two insurgencies, causing property damage to the tune of billions of rupees and also tarnishing Sri Lanka's image in the eyes of the international community.

The President did not want history to repeat itself and his answer was the launch of two mega projects, the Hambantota Port and the Mattala international airport ushering in prosperity not only to Hambantota but to the entire region.

In addition, a conference hall similar to the BMICH is being built in the area by the Korean Government. This too would be ready early next year. It would be ideal to host any international event.

The Colombo South Harbour development project, another venture earlier confined to words, has got off the ground while the Galle harbour is to be converted to a Tourist harbour. The finger pier would be ready by early next year bringing unprecedented business to over 20,000 hotel rooms and the cottage industry in the South.

The new flood-lit cricket stadium in the Suriyawewa area would spur cricket enthusiasts and two World Cup matches are scheduled to be played at this venue in 2011. The international Southern motor track is also another important sports landmark.

Another development project that goes hand in hand with these two projects is the ongoing Colombo-Matara toll expressway to be completed next year.

This will be followed by the extension of the Colombo-Matara train service first to Beliatta, under the second stage to Hambantota and then to Kataragama.

The project would be a boon for farmers as they would be able to send their products to main cities, minimizing post-harvest losses.

With the end of the war several local and foreign investors have shown an interest in infrastructure projects and are also keen on constructing high-rise buildings in the Jaffna peninsula.

In addition, the Sri Lankan Diaspora have shown an interest in investing in their native land.

They would have studied the Lankan economy which grew by at least six per cent each year despite the war. In addition, the country was also able to secure a US $500 million sovereign bond issue. The IMF also approved US$ 2.5 billion for Sri Lanka.

Interest rates have been lowered giving the North East entrepreneur an opportunity to launch new ventures creating employment opportunities and increasing production and exports.

The Foreign Direct Investments have also increased. The target for this year is a record US$ 1,200 million.

The Colombo Stock Exchange created history again by recording the highest number of transactions and becoming one of the best performing bourses in the world.

The international links the President created during his official overseas tours would also bring more investment, employment opportunities and numerous benefits to the country.

Pictures by Sudath Silva