After defeating terrorism:

'SL has achieved many development goals'

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

"Sri Lanka has achieved a number of development goals in three years after defeating terrorism which plagued the country for nearly three decades, Assistant Registrar of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, Bangalore Dr. I. I.Shankargaouda said.

Dr. I. I.Shankargaouda Picture by Wasitha Patabendige

"Sri Lanka's literacy rate has developed rapidly and there has been a great improvement in the higher education sector. The country's peaceful environment, cleanliness and beauty are the things that everyone can appreciate," he added.

Dr. Shankargaouda was speaking to the Daily News while on a visit here to participate in the Samatasetha Foundation's annual scholarship awards ceremony.

The Samatasetha Foundation is a Non Governmental Organization in Sri Lanka which works together with Lanka Care UK. It has been approved by Parliament and awards scholarships for needy students annually.

"This is my first visit to Sri Lanka and I'm very happy and impressed by what I have seen. Sri Lanka has a sound education system and the people are nurtured and nourished by The Buddha's teachings. Sri Lankans are very talented and polite which is admirable," he said.

"Sri Lanka's development process which is being implemented under the Mahinda Chinthana Future Vision programme is steering the country to new heights. President Mahinda Rajapaksa's vision has helped the country progress rapidly," he said.

"The country's health sector too indicates a rapid development. People living in rural areas can avail of the best medical treatments," he added. Dr. Shankargaouda described Sri Lanka as one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

"According to my view, Sri Lanka has a growing tourism industry. Since gaining independence from the British in 1947, Sri Lanka has continued to attract foreign investors and tourists to the island and it has developed more with the eradication of the terrorism which prevailed in the country over three decades.

"As I studied many beautiful resorts, hotels and spas have opened in Sri Lanka during the past two three years," he said.

Talking about the Higher Education system in Sri Lanka Dr. Shankargaouda said that education has always been considered a public service in Sri Lanka and providing equitable access to education continues to be one of the important pillars of public policy.

Sri Lanka's educational system built over decades of social and state investment, and commitment to provide free and accessible education, has helped Sri Lanka achieve impressive social indicators in education, health, life expectancy and equal opportunities for women and girls. The priority given to education is recognized as having contributed significantly to Sri lanka's high ranking in human development.

Sustaining these achievements and working towards greater progress in the education sector is the responsibility of the state. However, appropriate policy planning and implementation requires the active engagement and interest of many other actors such as students, parents, teachers, trade unions, the private sector and all citizens.

There is a collective responsibility to revitalize the education sector as an important public service and a necessary dimension of democratic and accountable governance, he further said.

Dr. I. I. Shankargaouda appreciated the concepts of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and said the President is one of the greatest leaders to emerge in Sri Lanka.

President Rajapksa has given a great example for developing countries in the world while defeating terrorism and leading the country towards the development.

"Mahinda Rajapaksa has a great and correct vision as a President of Sri Lanka and he has an aim to make Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia as well. I am sure he will achieve his goal in the near future with great confidence. I wish Sri Lanka the very best. I hope to see greater development in Sri Lanka during my next visit," he further stated.