SAES focuses on strong inclusive South Asia

The sixth South Asia Economic Summit (SAES), convened by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), concluded in Colombo recently.

Prof G L Peiris at the podium.

The three-day Summit brought together over 120 dignitaries representing the socio-economic spectrum of South Asia and beyond.

This year's Summit was centered around four key socio-economic policy areas termed 'The Big Four', which explored the significance of harnessing human capital through creating productive employment and addressing migrant dilemmas; managing water resources, ensuring food security and mitigating climate change; addressing intra-country growth disparities in development and enhancing the importance of building a competitive and inclusive private sector in the region.

Minister of External Affairs, Professor G.L. Peiris said that the four key pillars chosen for discussion was 'undoubtedly the most appropriate' in terms of highlighting the issues facing Sri Lanka and the region.

He said that the state should "ensure that economic development does not consist of theoretical abstractions which are remote from the lives of ordinary people, but, on the contrary, have a real impact in terms of improving the day-to-day lives of people living in all parts of the country".

He emphasised the importance of developing the physical infrastructure and modernising education to ensure economic development and social equity in the country.

The Minister commended the valuable contributions made on the development discourse in the region by various socio-economic experts.

He said that recommendations made on the basis of the deliberations at the sixth SAES will receive the earnest consideration of the Government.

The Summit which stimulated debate and discussion on a range of development issues concluded with the naming of Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries (RIS) in India as the host of the seventh SAES next year.