The road to economic stability

Treasury Secretary, Dr. P.B. Jayasundara's economic forecasts for 2007 are certain to be regarded as very encouraging by many, among both the rulers and the ruled. Sri Lanka is expected to maintain its growth momentum of 7.5 per cent throughout 2007 and also launch development projects to the tune of US$ 2000.

Other notable figures for 2007 provided by the Treasury Secretary are that official remittances may exceed US$ 2.7 billion, Foreign Direct Investments US$ one billion and tourism US$ 500 million.

Thus, the economic promise is great and attractive. What needs to be done is to translate this potential or promise into reality through sustained and productive labour on the part of all.

To be sure, we have fared quite well in economic terms in 2006 but there is no gainsaying the fact we could do even better in 2007. Much more remains to be achieved and until every man, woman and child enjoys a reasonable measure of economic security, our mission of building a stable future could not be said to be complete.

We say this because, a country could not rest content with reasonably good growth statistics. As we have right along emphasized in this comment, growth should balance equity if we are to satisfy ourselves that development has been achieved. Needless to say, on this score Sri Lanka has yet some distance to traverse because we are confronted with a sizeable income gap between the haves and have nots as well as regionally.

These are realities which the Government itself recognizes. For instance, there are sufficient indications that the disproportionate wealth of the Western Province is causing some discomfiture.

Therefore, the challenge of economic equity is remaining to be overcome and we hope action programmes would be launched in earnest to address the problem in 2007.

One could, however, take heart from the fact that the State is going steadily ahead with substantial infrastructure development programmes. Proof of this are the numerous development projects centred on our major rivers and the waterways, ports, highways and power sector related development projects, all of which would result in an expansion and upgrading of the country's infrastructure if implemented efficiently.

Of special significance is the Gama Neguma programme which aims at developing and upgrading rural infrastructure. It could not be emphasized enough that development plans would came to nought if our rural infrastructure is not widespread, intact and sound. For instance, the rural power sector and the rural road network need to be in peak condition if the rural masses are to remain productive and if their produce is to be easily marketed.

Therefore, sustained and scrupulous implementation of development plans assumes tremendous importance. The country, in other words, needs to be action-oriented and productive. Besides, the State needs to ensure that its policies are rigorously implemented with absolute accountability on the part of implementing personnel.

An open appeal to the leaders and people of Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu should hold the scales evenly

That is why Tamil Nadu should act with care and caution in its dealings with the Sri Lankan ethnic problem and also should not get swayed by the emotional speeches made by some of the Tamil Nadu politicians who make speeches to incite the crowd, without bothering about the negative reflections in Sri Lanka.

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The medium of infection is through mosquitoes infected with the virus CHIKV. The time from infection to illness (incubation period) can be 2-12 days, with an average of 3-7 days - following the pattern of most illnesses of viral origin. The mosquito known as the Aedes aegypti is a primary vector of CHIKV transmitted to humans. The same type of mosquito is the primary carrier for viruses that causes dengue fever as well.

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