Individualism has outlived its usefulness, time for collaboration: Sujeewa

By Shehana Dain

As the countdown to ETCA begins, State Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Sujeewa Senasinghe pointed out that in the process of adapting to global trade dynamics, India and Sri Lanka should compete together rather than viewing each other as rivals.

Noting that cooperation even among competitors is the way of the future, he said that this had been proven today in the global financial scope.

Senasinghe asserted: “About 20 years ago competing separately would have been the way forward for our countries but now you see when China shows a decrease in the Economic Index, the whole world is affected, even the US. Even though China and the US are rivals when it comes to trade, neither country will benefit if one significantly weakens. Likewise, if India’s economy is hit badly, we will get negatively impacted as well. We should compete together; this is how the world operates now.”

He made these remarks at the inauguration of ‘Shilpa Kala,’ an exhibition of traditional handicrafts and textiles. The five-day exhibition at the BMICH was a joint effort of the Indian High Commission of Colombo and Investment and Technology Promotion Division of Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Commenting on how the handicrafts industry can bolster trade, he said: “The art of handicrafts has been running for years within families. Therefore if it can be introduced to new generations and new areas and if the quality can be increased we can definitely increase exports to key markets.”

Indian High Commissioner Y.K Sinha addressing the gathering asserted that the exhibition promoted unity and diversity between the two neighbouring countries. “The special influence people have with each other will be exhibited in the next few days because of the popularity of Sri Lankan handicrafts in India and Indian handicrafts over here. This is the essence of people-to-people contacts,” he added.

Shilpa Kala will exhibit work of 40 craftsmen and craftswomen during the next four days, with 16 of them representing Sri Lanka.