Mangala tells diplomatic community time has come to focus on economic development

Mangala Samarweera

Having taken solid measures to address human rights issues that had been at the center for years, Sri Lanka says the time has come to focus on strengthening the economy now.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera addressing the Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo on Friday (August 28) said for far too long Sri Lanka’s relationship with the international community has been dictated by ‘human rights’ and now the country needs to focus its attention on the economy.

Pointing out that strong economy is the key in ensuring long-term peace and stability and preventing the recurrence of conflict, the Foreign Minister asked the international community to support Sri Lanka in its efforts to develop the economy and the country.

“As much as we would need your invaluable support in terms of technical expertise in the setting up of domestic mechanisms and assistance for peacebuilding related efforts such as resettlement, infrastructure development, and providing psycho-social support, we think the time has now come to focus our attention to other areas as well which will contribute to strengthening our economy,” Samaraweera said.

He said Sri Lanka wants secure access for its goods and services in the global market and sought assistance in terms of expertise in enhancing the quality of the country’s goods and services to be able to plug into value chains.

“We want to focus on making our exports competitive. We want to create new jobs. We want to equip our young people with the technical skills required for success in the present job markets around the world,” the Minister told the diplomats.

Mentioning that Sri Lanka has free trade agreements with both India and Pakistan, Samaraweera invited the investors in the two countries to explore opportunities available in setting up manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka to access the large markets in the subcontinent.

He said the new Government will enact necessary legislation required to create investor confidence without delay. Since legislative reform alone will not reset the investment climate, ensuring policy stability and creating a level playing field for all investors is a priority for the new government, he added.

The Minister expected the bi-partisan consensus resulting from the National Government to aid in this process.

Fighting corruption will be one of the Government’s primary objectives and new laws and institutions in line with the UN Principles on Anti-Corruption will be adopted.

Minister Samaraweera said the Government is also keen to pursue new trade agreements with foreign countries and aims to set up 45 Economic Development zones with 11 Industrial and technological zones throughout the country including in Hambantota for ship building and manufacturing, Raigama for consumer and new technology, Maha Oya, Vanni and Kilinochchi for Manufacturing, Colombo for commercial and monetary services, Kandy, Jaffna and Galle for IT.

The Minister also hinted that his ministry will be restructured so that it will be oriented more towards economic diplomacy and closer engagement with all of the foreign envoys.