Economic eye-openers

SECRETARY General, Government Peace Secretariat, Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala's Sujatha Jayawardhana memorial Oration on Thursday was as thought provoking and insightful as it was eloquent. A principal theme of his address was the mutual reinforcement of peace and development. One couldn't have peace without development and vice versa.

A high point of Dhanapala's oration was his focus on the socio-economic situation of the North-East and other vital provinces of the country during the pre and post ceasefire agreement (CFA) periods.

Nowhere is the mutually - reinforcing nature of the peace and development more pronounced than in these once war-torn regions which are now enjoying a respite from war, which, all peace-lovers hope would be translated into a lasting peace.

Rightly, Dhanapala allowed the facts to speak for themselves. For instance, it was pointed out that the GDP of the Northern Province grew by an average of 12.6 percent during the post-CFA period in contrast to 3.4 percent during the pre-CFA period. Likewise, the GDP of the Eastern Province increased by 10.1 percent annually during the post-CFA period, while the corresponding figure for the pre-CFA period was 4.6 percent.

Besides, it was pointed out that the annual post - CFA GDP growth for the Northern and Western Provinces were 12.6 percent and 6.2 percent respectively, an indication that the Northern economy grew twice as fast as the Western economy. On the whole, the Lankan economy grew from 3.9 percent to 5.0 percent during the time frame under review.

This is ample proof that one cannot have material advancement without a measure of peace. On the other hand, an improvement in the material circumstances of the people invariably leads to a gradual abandonment of armed conflict as a means of dispute resolution.

This accounts for the fact that the LTTE has, thus far, refrained from committing large-scale violations of the ceasefire, although it continues with its clandestine killings and constantly targets individuals which it considers opposed to it. The improved statistics from the North-East also prove that the State is firmly committed to the development of the North-East.

This fact underscores the impartial and all-caring nature of the Lankan State. Come what may, it has not shied away from the obligation of maintaining a steady presence in the North-East and developing it. After all, several line Ministries and State institutions are active in the North-East, dispensing goods and services which are vital for the well being of the North-East people. Chief among these is the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation.

Thus, it could be said that the Lankan State has lived up to the expectations reposed in it. It treats everyone - irrespective of the community he or she belongs to - as its citizens. This is one of the best recipes for national unity.