SAARC Summit victory for entire nation - Minister Siyambalapitiya

Hiran H. Senewiratne

The SAARC Summit will be a victory to the entire nation rather than a personal victory for President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Therefore, it will be an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase its image before the international community, Minister of Finance and State Revenue Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Speaking to the Daily News Minister Siyambalapitiya said everybody irrespective of party politics should endorse this event to enhance the confidence among the local as well as the international business community especially among foreign investors, to promote Sri Lanka as a safe and preferred destination for trade, investment and tourism in the region.

He said that when the Western World imposes travel advisories and other restrictions on Sri Lanka, this event will really enhance the Sri Lankan image with the participation of seven Heads of State in the SAARC region at the summit in Colombo.

“This is an important event for Sri Lanka. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will lead the SAARC for the coming year. This will be a great honour for Sri Lanka in every aspect. Therefore, we have to eschew petty political ideologies for the sake of the country,” Siyambalapitiya said.

The SAARC region which comprises one third of the world population, is a force to be reckoned in the international arena because most countries in the region.

Minister said that, seven Heads of States, Foreign Ministers and other dignitaries including more than 150 media personnel would be participating in the Summit in Colombo.

Therefore, spending on infrastructure development especially to facelift the city of Colombo will enhance the country’s image, which is not a waste of public money, Siyambalapitiya said.

Today the international community has cornered the LTTE with the prudent diplomatic attempts of the Government and President Rajapaksa, he said. Sri Lanka would obtain many economic benefits with the SAARC summit.

The Finance Minister said that Summit would also help for us to discuss on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).