Massive development drive underway - PM

The government has embarked on a massive development drive to invigorate the economy and achieve the country's development objectives, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said.

Speaking at the second day of Sri Lanka Expo 2012, the Prime Minister said the creation of employment opportunities, improving the standard of living of the people and more importantly spreading these benefits to the grassroots level are the main concerns of the government.

"Sri Lanka having overcome terrorism that plagued the motherland for nearly three decades is currently enjoying peace and stability under the able leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa," he said.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka Expo 2012 is a timely event which will be a success.

The event assumes special significance as this is the first time that an international event of this importance is being held in Sri Lanka when it is enjoying peace and stability as a unified country, he said.

"Three decades of terrorism had prevented Sri Lanka from using its resources, including human resources, to exhibit the country's true potential in the global trading arena," the Prime Minister said.

He said the defeat of terrorism in 2009 and the subsequent ushering of peace, brought immense relief to the people, especially those in the North and East.

"They are free to live without any fear or inhibitions and work towards realising their aspirations," Prime Minister Jayaratne said.

He said the resources of the people, which were untapped hitherto, have now been channeled for national development.

"As you move through the exhibition halls, you will see a range of products that amply display their talents and skills. All this has been made possible due to the peaceful and conducive environment prevailing in the country," he told the gathering.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka is endowed with many resources.

"The fertile land and favourable climate present opportunities to undertake year round agriculture and promote agro business. Thanks to the ushering of peace, the country has now reached self-sufficiency in rice," he said.

"This was made possible due to the vast amount of unutilised paddy land in the North and East being brought under paddy cultivation while boosting the incomes of farmers in these areas," he said.

"Sri Lanka has been known in the past as the granary of the East. The government's aim is to reestablish this position by making our country a rice exporting nation," the Prime Minister said.

"Due to renowned characteristics such as taste, aroma and colour, Sri Lanka's agricultural products that are exported fetch premium prices in the international market.

"Our agricultural export products satisfy the global quality standards in processing, packaging and green manufacturing. Ceylon Tea which is designated as the best tea in the world for its unique taste and flavour is sought after in the leading markets in the world," he said.

"Sri Lanka is the world's largest producer and exporter of pure cinnamon to the world with a 90 percent global market share. Cinnamon grown and produced in Sri Lanka has acquired a long standing reputation in the international market for its unique quality, colour, flavour and aroma in addition to its beneficial effects on overall health," the Prime Minister said.

"Blessed with a high literacy rate, the country's highly trainable work force has played a major role in its export development effort. The country boasts of a large number of professionals in many fields. In fact, Sri Lanka has the largest number of CIMA qualified accountants next to United Kingdom," he said.

"These factors would go a long way in transforming Sri Lanka in to a commercial hub in the Asian region," he said.