Scourge of terrorism cost Sri Lanka US $ 200 billion
We need to convey the correct impression about Sri Lanka by its
Foreign Missions thereby they could be helpful to develop the country's
economy, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona
said.
|
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona
speaking at the Key Persons’ Forum organized by the FCCISL
while FCCISL President Kosala Wickramanayake looks on. |
He was speaking at the Key Persons' Forum on "How Sri Lanka's Foreign
Missions can help to Develop Our Economy" organized by the Federation of
Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) held at JAIC
Hilton Hotel.
Dr. Kohona said that it is the task of the Foreign Ministry and their
Missions to rectify the adverse propaganda carried out by the LTTE as
the military advance now has become unstoppable.
Due to the negative campaign carried on by the LTTE, Sri Lanka's
image has suffered terribly. It impacted on the travel industry,
discouraged inward investment, put pressure on taxation rates, absorbing
scarce reserves which could have been used for investment purposes,
affecting business confidence, causing delays to infrastructure
development and causing many a brilliant mind to leave the country.
"The scourge of terrorism is estimated to have cost the country US $
200 billion. The LTTE used the tactics of destroying the economy and
infrastructure, in addition to destroying people and property," Dr.
Kohona added.
These atrocities were backed by a relentless propaganda barrage that
painted a hopeless picture of Sri Lanka. Development aid levels from
certain donors dipped, tourists became less inclined to visit and
foreign direct investment required more convincing.
Contrary to predictions, the economy of the country has held firm and
moved forward and as the war recedes the government has massive plans
for developing the country as a whole. |
