Food self-sufficiency, key to development - Prof Yoshio
Atapattu BANDARA
Food self-sufficiency is the key to sustainable development and Sri
Lanka's attempt in this regard is commendable, Professor at Shinzu
University, Japan, Shimizu Yoshio said.
Organizations like Mawbima Lanka Foundation will encourage people to
be patriotic and increase local production as Japan did sometime ago, he
further said.
He was delivering a lecture organized by the Mawbima Lanka Foundation
in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Japan- Sri Lanka diplomatic
relations at Sausiripaya yesterday. Prof. Yoshio, speaking on the theme
- "The Development of Industry and Economy of Sri Lanka - from the
perspective of Japanese Experience" - said development should be gained
without harming the culture and traditions of the country.
Japan experienced its development during 1950 to 1985 and it entered
the international market from 1985, he said. "But we are still not
independent. Japan does actually what America wants. Many Japanese know
this reality but they wont discuss this in public," he said.
"We are still an American colony, he said. Japan has been considered
as an enemy of the world after the Second World War and that is still
effective. The UN Articles 53, 77 and 107 have restricted the Japanese
position and any country can attack Japan under these laws at any time.
That's why Japan remains silent on many occasions. We can't speak in
favour of Sri Lanka as our mouths are closed by these Articles of the
UN," he said.
The Professor reiterated that Asian economies are emerging and USA
and Europe are struggling to pull the legs of the Asians hampering their
the progress. Japan was also not given opportunities by American
imperialism till the North Korean war was started in 1950. America kept
Japanese economy on agriculture and used it as their Asian defense base.
'Industrialized economy came into existence in Japan after 1950. Sri
Lanka in that sense is independent and has a huge potential of being
developed independently. The Professor expressed his surprise why Sri
Lanka is not producing less expensive and least technologically driven
three wheelers on their own.
A three wheeler is a good option for many Sri Lankans and it is a
most profitable and economical small vehicle. With some advanced
technology Sri Lanka should manufacture three wheelers in Sri Lanka
itself, he said.
Sri Lanka should start from basics and can be developed methodically.
Japan can assist Sri Lanka to develop an industrial economy. "Sri Lanka
has a proven record that they have the manpower and knowledge to gain
industrial progress," he remarked.
The Professor commended the Mawbima Lanka Foundation and its
activities to promote Sri Lankan products and prevent outflow of foreign
exchange unnecessarily. Sri Lanka has proved that they can face the
challenges and organizations like Mawbima Lanka will save Sri Lankan
customers from foreign subjugation through their products.
'Sri Lankans should take this challenge collectively and if the
Asians work closely, the outside domination can be minimized, he said.
'The self sustainability should be maintained while safeguarding the
cultural values and that should never be mixed with others. By
increasing self sufficiency in food and industry any country despite its
geographical location and extent can be developed, he said.
'If Sri Lanka succeeded in accomplishing this target Sri Lanka can be
a model to the other nations of the world. A strong leadership is needed
not only for food production but also for the improvement of industries
too, he added.
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