Canada taken up by N-E development

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Sri Lanka has achieved impressive progress in economic development and resettlement in the North and East, outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Bruce Levy said yesterday.

He said a developed road network was essential for any nation to create employment opportunities and bring economic development and it was a praiseworthy to see that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken measures

to develop the road network and railway line in the North and East.

In an interview with the Daily News, Levy said the Canadian government also contributed much to the Sri Lankan government’s achievements.

He said the biggest challenge the Sri Lankan government faced immediately after the end of the three decade conflict was resettlement.

“Though most critics expressed doubt at the outset, the Sri Lankan government faced the challenge successfully following demining of these areas,” Levy said.

He said not only economic development, but also reconciliation was essential for peace.

Levy who said though there was a little bit more to achieve in this area, added there were encouraging moves from the government like the LLRC action plan.

Levy said Canada was ready to invest in Sri Lanka and the global economic recess too had an impact on the flow of foreign investment in Sri Lanka.

He said there was huge competition for Sri Lanka from other countries in the region.

Levy said those deciding on economic development, should create best conditions in the country for foreign investors including rules that do not change from time to time.

He said Sri Lanka and Canada maintained friendly ties even before Sri Lanka achieved independence and Canada never promoted terrorism.