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Growing Sino-Lanka ties

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's recent visit to China will be written in our annals as one of the most successful official overseas visits by any Sri Lankan Head of State. The visit saw the signing of several landmark agreements totalling US$ 800 million, reinforcing the close ties between the two countries.

This is one of the biggest aid packages ever received by Sri Lanka from a single country. China and Sri Lanka, especially under SLFP-led Governments, have always had excellent relations. President Kumaratunga's two State visits to China during the two terms of her presidency also highlight the importance she has attached to China in the diplomatic realm.

Several mega projects which had been talked about for years through several changes of Government finally received the financial go-ahead during the President's visit. Chief among these are the Norachcholai coal power project with a 300 MW generating capacity in the initial phase and 900 MW when completed in the remaining two stages by 2008.

Among the other agreements related to enhanced Sino-Lanka cooperation are the Hambantota oil bunker project, Phosphate mining, the Colombo-Katunayake express way, Colombo-Ratmalana Rail link and the setting up of a performing arts centre.

Most of these projects, especially the Norachcholai power project, are long overdue. President Kumaratunga has taken the initiative to get them off the ground as soon as possible with China's help. But all these vital projects are likely to take at least three years to become fully operational.

In just two months, the country will witness another Presidential Election. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe are the main contenders. Whoever wins, it is imperative that the new President goes ahead with Norachcholai and the other projects without bowing to the dictates of various groups who have no desire of seeing any development in Sri Lanka.

President Kumaratunga had the courage and the conviction to give the green light for these projects, despite attempts by groups with vested interests to stop them. Her successor should tread on the same path, fearing no anti-development forces.

In fact, there should be a national policy on development which does not change whenever Governments change. All political parties must reach a consensus on the vital issue of national and economic development, regardless of the party in power.

This will ensure seamless continuity in development projects even if Governments and Presidents change. Our donors, who are sometimes exasperated by policy shifts that affect their commitments to Sri Lanka and the low rate of aid utilisation, will also laud such a move.

President Kumaratunga's successor should hopefully be able to maintain constant contact with the Chinese Government on the progress of the projects including Norachcholai. The incoming President must take a personal interest in these essential projects for the sake of the nation.

Along with China, India ranks as one of our closest friends both geographically and diplomatically. New Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike pragmatically selected India for his first official overseas in the new capacity. This visit too has led to stronger ties between the two neighbours.

The incoming President should continue this trend. Whatever happens in the domestic political arena, we must continue to develop our ties with India and China, two true friends who have pledged to assist us in every possible way.

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