Sri Lanka’s country image is being tarnished: Survey

The latest islandwide poll conducted for business magazine LMD, by research firm Kantar TNS, reveals that more than half the people (55%) believe that factors such as ‘inappropriate activities by politicians’ and the ‘increasing crime rate’ are tarnishing Sri Lanka’s image.

According to LMD, only 35% dispute this view, stating that the island has an impeccable reputation due to ‘religious reconciliation’ as well as its ‘cultural background’.

Nearly six in 10 of survey respondents feel that the country’s image has not improved despite the change of government in January 2015 – they assert that Sri Lanka’s image ‘is being tarnished day by day’ and that while it hasn’t been long since the new Government was elected, ‘some people hold the same positions without changing their policies’.

However, a majority (80%) believe that our image has improved since 2009 when the prolonged civil war ended. They attribute this to the ‘peaceful environment in the country’ – 11% oppose this view and the rest (9%) are undecided.

Tea and cricket continue to be the nation’s ‘image leaders,’ going by what 75% of those consulted by the pollsters say. 

Citizens point to bribery and corruption, lawlessness and disorder, the calibre of politicians, the political landscape, lack of discipline and poor infrastructure as factors that undermine our country’s image.

LMD’s publisher, Media Services, says the June edition of the pioneering business magazine has been released to leading supermarkets and bookstores in Colombo and the outstations. 

Its Cover Story features a comprehensive analysis of the exclusive Great Place to Work in Sri Lanka study, which recognises the ‘25 Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka’ (for the full story, log onto www.LMD.lk).