In next six years:

Per capita income to exceed US $ 4,000 -Governor

Gayan Kanchana

The Central Bank Governor is hopeful that Sri Lanka’s per capita income can come up to US $ 4,000 within the next six years.

“It took Sri Lanka 56 years to double the per capita income and reach US $ 1,000 while it took six years to further double it to US$ 2,000.

“We hope to double the per capita income to US$ 4,000 within the next six years, Cabraal said speaking at the HSBC JCI TOYP 2010 Award ceremony held in Colombo. “We have gained extraordinary developments some we never thought of accomplishing in our lifetimes,” he said.

The Governor said: “Now Sri Lanka is the threshold of a great future and we have the ability to achieve it.” HSBC CEO Sri Lanka and the Maldives Nick Nicolaou, said “HSBC is pleased to be part of this event for the sixth year to honour young people who have reached the heights of progress in numerous human endeavours.”

“We also hope this will serve as an example to other young people in the country, by encouraging and inspiring them to follow suit, and help them realize their dreams and visions for the future,” he said.

JCT Sri Lanka, National President Azard Ishak said, “The TOYP program was launched in 1980 in Sri Lanka. JCI Sri Lanka recognizes talents and achievements of young people in Sri Lanka. Nominations are now open for the 2010 National TOYP Program.

“We want to honour outstanding young people in our communities and in our country.”

“This program is open to people between 18 and 40, giving the opportunity to acknowledge young people who serve as role models to their peers and will become the outstanding leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

The TOYP Program recognises ten outstanding young individuals for their exemplary personal and professional achievements. Ports Authority Chairman Dr Priyath Bandu Wickrema received the award for the Economic Accomplishment. Dileep Mudadeniya (Public Administration), Arosha Adikaram (Academic Leadership), Ferozeshah Karmardeen (Contribution to arts and culture), Rafi Reyal (Environmental Leadership), Sajith de Mel (Humanitarian and Voluntary Service), Dr Pasan de Vaas Tilakaratna (Technological Development), Dr Lasantha Malavige (Medical Research), Mahela Jayawardena (Personal Accomplishment) and Dr B Balagobi (Personal Improvement).