PM’s Economic Policy Statement; How Tamils Can Respond

By S. Sivathasan –November 18, 2015

S. Sivathasan

Placed before the country is an economic vision spread across several sectors, crossing provincial boundaries and bridging ethnic divides. Reference to North and East in a bid to take them into the economic mainstream is a clarion call to the ‘left behinders’. It is significant it comes off the highest levels. The onus is now upon the Tamils to develop on the initiatives made open by the Prime Minister and to sail along.

Change in the Offing – Or so it Seems

“We will pay attention to the imbalance in development on a geographical basis”- PM. So runs the statement.

In Sri Lanka geography denotes ethnic colouration, it also connotes historical rigidities. Yet overshadowing them is the melting process which has been at play for nearly a century. When the census figures for that period are analysed, changes in topography – ethnic and religious – are seen. Migration and emigration induced them within the country and out. To this phenomenon, economic changes, political turmoil and ethnically defined transplants made their contribution. Time seems now for the economy to direct our destiny.

PM’s Exposition

“We plan to rebuild war affected areas in the North and the East – we have discussed with Japan the possibility of convening an aid summit in this regard in 2016”- PM.

No better strategy could have been thought of. One recalls a similar effort initiated in 2002 and set in motion in 2003, with the thrust coming from Ranil, who was Prime Minister then. It was a multi-billion Rupee programme which made a difference to the war affected in the North-East and in adjacent areas. Tamils have to show interest and define the parameters.

“The airport and the port must be developed” – PM

This statement is with reference to the nation.

When going into specifics for the North, into that programme may be incorporated Palaly Airport and Kankesanthurai Harbour projects, both of which are lumbering along for a quarter century.

“We will encourage air connections that will connect the North and the East efficiently to the rest of the country” – PM.                                                                                        Read More