Stage set for Lanka to become 'Wonder of Asia' - Khaleej Times

The stage is now set for Sri Lanka, long ago called the 'Jewel of the Indian Ocean, to be transformed into the 'Wonder of Asia', declared the prestigious Gulf publication Khaleej Times yesterday.

"Despite drawing some flak from certain quarters of the international community, Sri Lanka's own LLRC report, published in December, brings it a step closer to reconciliation. Commissioned by the President to investigate any excesses committed during the last phase of the conflict and recommend a path of reconciliation, the report is a tool in bringing together communities that have been shattered," Times columnist Qadijah Irshad wrote.

"Sri Lanka emerged with confidence in the year 2011. Two years after its victory over the most ruthless terrorist group in the world, it was on a fast track to growth after three decades of standing still," he said.

"Trade and tourism are expected to boom further next year as development accelerates even more.

The tiny island, which was considered one of the fastest developing nations at one time, is on a fast track to development once again. After almost three decades, Sri Lanka tasted its second year of peace in 2011.

For people living in the island that was until recently ravaged by bombs and shells, peace is sweet. Despite the deep-rooted fears and mistrust, communities are beginning to come out of their shells," he noted.

He also stressed that "a confident Lankan government refuted all charges of alleged war crimes and challenged the world to visit the country instead of calling for trial on unfounded evidences".

Growth accelerated this year with a series of development projects launched across the country. The Northern and Eastern parts of the country, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, witnessed rapid development, attracting a record number of tourists, the Times said.

The country's first four-lane, 128-km, 85-billion rupee expressway connecting Colombo and Southern Matara was opened in November, cutting travel time by one-third.

The $2.5 billion infrastructure development included the Hambantota port and several railway lines, including the Omanthai track connecting the North and the South after more than two decades.

The article pointed out that keeping pace with growth, foreign direct investments exceeded the 2011 target of one billion dollars, according to the Central Bank.

Sri Lanka Tourism's 'Refreshingly Sri Lanka - Visit 2011' campaign, together with heavy investments in tourism and related industries by the Government and private sectors, attracted a record number of visitors to the island this year. Sri Lanka Tourism revised its tourist arrival target to 800,000, a 22 percent increase from 2010. Mid-December saw the 800,000th visitor arrive in the country.In August, a 27-day peace walk to raise funds for a children's cancer unit in Tamil-populated Jaffna metamorphosed into the longest inter-cultural olive branch of the country's history.The Government's drive towards the rehabilitation and reintegration of the 11,000-odd former child soldiers and terrorist cadre into society, and exposing Tamil youth to the South continued to contribute towards healing wounds, the article emphasised.