Exploring new spheres for a better future

Excerpts of the keynote address delivered by Air Force Commander and Acting Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal WDRMJ Goonetileke RWP and bar, VSV, USP, ndc, psc at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Annual Symposium on December 4.

“Free of burning issues” has merely been a dream in the context of this historical land for almost 30 years until the evil menace of terrorism was crushed in the month of May this year. We, as a nation were able to accomplish that tremendous task under the resolute leadership of President and our Commander in Chief, Mahinda Rajapaksa. We as a team, wherein the Secretary, Defence Ministry was the gigantic leader, acted upon collectively to make the “impossible”, an achievable mission. Now what lies ahead of us needs to be explored in the right scale and in the right perspective once again as a team.

In that, we should always be prepared to proficiently handle, the numerous pressures exerted on us at varying degrees both internally and externally. A better future would invariably lie on solid initiatives taken today in line with the trends that have triggered an upward course in global economies. Though recent recession across the world has slowed down many vibrant economies, Sri Lanka’s economic prudence was able to tolerate the negative trends thereof quite successfully.

The financial machinery of our country too was burdened to the limit until recently due to extensive counter terrorist activities. However, bold measures implemented by the Government did not allow our economy to fall prey to the negative trends. The manner in which the development was taken to the grass roots of the island irrespective of these phenomena is extremely praiseworthy. It is very heartening to learn that many ongoing large scale projects are focused on long-term benefits to the nation.

In these endeavours, there are certain specific elements that our nation can ever boast of. One of the leading elements is the character of resilience that makes our nation a truly dynamic force. This has been proven more than once in the recent history. Post tsunami recovery in 2004 and the steady progress we have so far made since May this year amply testify to this fact.

All the same, the quality of human resources we possess too is an absolute asset in our efforts of exploring a better future. Significantly, the literacy rate of Sri Lanka, which is the highest in the South Asian region, speaks volumes about it. The lavishly fertile land we own too is a huge strength of the nation.

Especially, being a country that is largely dependant on agricultural industries of varying nature. Geographically, the Island occupies a perfect slot in the Indian Ocean offering us enormous opportunities to explore many a venture.

Among the strengths the nation also takes pride in highly praised standards of social values that we inherit thanks to the unique cultural influences.

Among the other indices, we take a keen interest in maintaining significantly high standards in the health sector too. By working very hard, we have proved the nation’s potentials in such service areas as well.

At the same time, the exceedingly high growth we have recorded in ICT in the recent past could well be the principal medium of building a remarkable future very soon.Now that time is ripe for making a strong and steady headway using the optimum advantages of all our strengths. In pursuit of lasting prosperity, we must exploit every opportunity leaving no stone unturned. New spheres would not just appear unless we grab opportunities and research deep into all areas with a meaningful vista of the future.

Unarguably, the aspect of education plays the pivotal role in developing a nation and the “Chapter Six” emphatically endorses this. A sound education system that produces right resources would eliminate half the burden of taking the country forward. Total modernization of all other vital industries and services is an urgent need of the hour.

ICT, healthcare, agriculture, petroleum tourism, garments and textile, transport systems catering to both national and international needs, animal husbandry, manufacturing industry and power generation would invariably top the list.

Global partnership in these efforts is inevitable on agreed terms and conditions beneficial to all parties. Foreign investments even in service sector needs to be promoted to gain high end market values for quality human resources we possess. New concepts may be developed in presenting our heritage and cultural inheritances to the global community attracting them into high end tourism.

However, in its entirety, ensuring a Low Carbon Economy should take precedence over any other aspect. Thus far, we have maintained the environment reasonably well to acceptable global standards. We shall strengthen on these aspects by drawing plans to further minimize the emission of greenhouse gases.