We Look Back with Sadness, But We Look Forward with Hope
This time of year is a period for reflection for many people around
the world. For the people of Sri Lanka it brings back acutely painful
memories, but also for the first time in many years, a genuine sense of
hope, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in an interview Published in the
Huffington post in the US on December 24.
On December 26, 2004, one of the worst natural disasters in modern
times befell our country and we required aid and other support from the
world on an unprecedented scale.
President
Mahinda Rajapaksa |
The tsunami that struck the length of Sri Lanka's eastern coast and
enshrouded the island had a devastating effect. In a matter of moments,
over 40,000 people had lost their lives and a further 20,000 were
injured. More than half a million people were displaced with in excess
of 100,000 homes destroyed.
Those who survived or who came to assist in the aftermath, from
across Sri Lanka and from abroad, will never forget the horror the ocean
wrought on the island that day.
Thankfully those events are in the past. And for the people
especially in the North, East and South that survived and gradually
rebuilt their lives with the assistance of the international community,
NGOs and Sri Lanka's own Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA),
it can finally be said that the future holds great promise. For, our
people are now living without the threat of terrorism for the first time
in over a quarter of a century.
This closing of a chapter will bring improvements in quality of life
beyond many Sri Lankans' living memories.
For a country that has managed average economic growth of over 6
percent since 2005, despite our difficulties, it is clear that our
promise is significant, something that is beginning to be recognized
internationally.
In October 2007, in the midst of the sub-prime crisis, Sri Lanka
floated its debut U.S. $500 million sovereign bond which was three times
over-subscribed. And in October of this year the Government issued a
second $500 million sovereign bond that received the highest oversold
subscription of the year, over 13 times over-subscribed, while both
Fitch and S and P have revised their ratings from 'negative' to
'stable'.
Analysts are now excitedly talking about Sri Lanka as the next
Singapore and comprehensive plans are being put in place to make this
vision a reality.
We are increasingly seeing large investment funds flood into the
country, not as an act of generosity, but because they see the potential
that is being unlocked in Sri Lanka.
Throughout Sri Lanka, massive infrastructure projects are taking
place, from the construction of one of the largest deep water ports in
the Indian Ocean, at Hambantota in the South, to the establishment of
the Trincomalee Investment and Tourist Zone in the East.
Formerly at the heart of our troubled areas, Trincomalee, with its
natural harbour and scenic beauty, is now emerging as a potentially
major commercial and industrial hub in the South Asian region and a
tourism destination in its own right.
Moreover Sri Lanka's people have talent. Our potential as an
outsourcing destination is being recognized and the success of our
expatriate doctors and engineers, lawyers and accountants, confirms just
what extraordinary capabilities our people possess.
We also have a thriving garment industry that not only provides the
West with value goods, but also enshrines the highest of labour
conditions and environmental standards.
We have vast untapped potential in our fertile agricultural lands,
particularly in the North and East previously setback through terror for
three decades and now active once again.
And there's tourism. Overseas visitors have always flocked to Sri
Lanka, but never in the numbers that we could have achieved without the
threat of terrorism. With terrorism now at an end, we have set an annual
target of 2.5 million visitors by 2016.
We encourage the people from around the world to come and experience
the unrivaled Sri Lankan spirit of hospitality.
Five years on from the terrible events of 2004, now is truly an
exciting time for our country. We are creating a land of opportunity for
all Sri Lankans and no-one will be left behind.
Aid is no longer the priority for us. We offer investment
opportunities, an island of beauty and tranquillity to be enjoyed, not
pitied.
Sri Lanka is ready to make its mark. Our troubles are behind us and
we look forward to welcoming the world. As a scientist and writer Arthur
C. Clarke said of his adopted home, this is the best place in the world
from which to view the universe. |