Businessmen praised for resilience during difficult times

An international expert on counter terrorism paid tribute to Sri Lanka's business community saying that Sri Lanka has the most resilient business community in Asia.

Speaking at the "National Conference on the Role of the Business Community in Reconciliation" hosted by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS) last week, Head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) of Singapore, Prof. Rohan Gunaratna said LTTE waged war in Sri Lanka directly against the country's economy and the business community.

"Even at the height of conflict, Sri Lanka witnessed 4-5% growth annually," he said, adding the business community in Sri Lanka continued its investments and operations to give Sri Lanka the growth required annually to restore peace.

"On an average, one economic target was hit by LTTE every year. The LTTE targeted the most iconic landmarks with the intention to ruin the economy and cripple the Government's capacity to wage war."

He said the first terrorist bomb targeted Elephant House on May 30, 1986, killing 11 civilians.

"According to Pottu Amman, the then Intelligence Chief of the LTTE, economy was the backbone of the Government of Sri Lanka.

He remarked that the LTTE cannot win by attacks on the security forces alone." - MF