Welcome call

Post-war Sri Lanka is all set to take off and there is no knowing the vistas and frontiers it will conquer. It was only the other day that the first phase of the Hambantota Port was declared open by the President with the filling of the inner basin with seawater. Oluwil in the East is the other port on the horizon while the Galle Port is to be developed as a tourist attraction. The Colombo Port too is to undergo expansion to increase berthing capacity. The country's second international airport is nearing completion in Mattala while all domestic airports are to be reconstructed and upgraded with the anticipated heavy influx of tourists now that all international travel advisories against Sri Lanka have been lifted. This is apart from the massive development projects that have been commissioned by the Government and others in the pipeline.

All these points to a renaissance of the country from the stagnation witnessed for over three decades due to the long drawn out war. Needless to say the Government has to muster all the resources, talents and expertise at its command to accomplish the monumental tasks it has undertaken if we are to be Asia's miracle as desired by the President. This will need a collective effort of all Sri Lankans.

It is in this context that the invitation extended by Minister Prof G L Peiris to Sri Lankan students who had attended foreign universities and received their higher education to return and serve their Motherland should be taken note of.

Addressing a certificate awarding ceremony at the Edexcel Institute of London Prof Peiris said it was necessary that the country makes use of the talents of those students who had received their higher education from the world's best universities given the emerging positive indicators that point to a successful future for Sri Lanka. Hence his invitation to them to return to Sri Lanka.

In a way he was echoing the oft repeated call by the President to our professionals and experts domiciled overseas to return to the country and be partners in the development and prosperity of post-war Sri Lanka.

True, most of our professionals left the country due to the lack of opportunity and above all the unsettled conditions in the country. Most were beneficiaries of the free education system. It is only fair that they give back something in return to their Motherland now that a conducive climate exists for their return. Similarly affluent parents sent their children for higher education abroad who are now professionals in various fields and disciplines offering their talents and expertise to their host countries.

This is the time that Sri Lanka needs their skills and expertise more than at any other time in our post independent history since the country has now entered a new era where a new independence has been ushered in with the end to threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Besides most of these professionals will have some of their relatives and loved ones back home who would stand to benefit by their contribution.

The Government for its part should offer the necessary incentives to attract our Lankans who left our shores for greener pastures. No doubt it is not only the lack of opportunity but also poor employment conditions that resulted in the massive brian drain.

Steps should also be taken to retain the professionals we have in our midst. Today, we see some Ministers speaking about job opportunities in countries such as Korea and Kuwait in the construction industry at a time the Government has embarked on a massive reconstruction drive to rebuild the war battered country.

While no one denies the fundamental right of an individual to seek employment abroad it would be prudent if some of our Ministers do not be too over-enthusiastic to drive away whatever remaining talent that is left in this country - particularly in the skilled fields.

It is also hoped that the proposed foreign universities would obviate the requirement of Lankan students going for their higher education overseas and above all would turn out productive talent that can relate to the present day demands in the employment field not to mention their contribution to realize the development goals of the country.