Celebrating the Independence and Achieving Economic Independence

This time we are celebrating our independence as a united country. This is the first time we can see flags are flying throughout the country after 30 years. But there are certain challenges ahead. All should support for the Vision to transform Sri Lanka into a Fivefold Global Hub (naval, aviation, commercial, energy and knowledge hub).

According to economists the 'Fivefold Global Hub project' will be the engine driving the economy forward, pulling the agriculture, services and industry sectors along. They were in the view that maximum benefits must to be accrued to the local economy in the process. Sri Lanka is the country which is always famous for her uniqueness of achieving objectives.

In 1996, we won the world cup in a unique way. Sri Lanka won the toss in the final and sent Australia in to bat despite the team batting first having won all five previous World Cup finals up to that.

Introduction of Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana as opening batsmen to take advantage of the fielding restrictions during the first 15 overs of each innings also can be considered as exceptional move by captain Arjuna Ranatunga and Coach Dave Whatmore.This is only a one example.

Now we can see the economy of this country also shaping in a positive way. Gross domestic product (GDP) increased 4.2% year-on-year in the period, double the rate of the previous quarter and nearly triple the rate of the year's first half. In October, Fitch Ratings maintained the country's ratings at B+ while revising the sovereign outlook rating to stable from negative.

Standard & Poor's in October revised the country's "B" sovereign rating outlook to positive from stable. The Sri Lankan stock exchange more than doubled in value in 2009.The New York Times in USA rated Sri Lanka as number one destination for Tourism in 2010.Where they quoted this country as rich in natural beauty and cultural splendours. Thus is can observed that the all factors really shaping well for the future.

So it is a duty for all Sri Lankans to support to bring this wonderful island in front of the world calendar. Now we can see the clear future with vision .Singapore achieved its present economic status because of the vision the country had in the past under its leadership. Why not Sri Lanka?

- Asian Tribune -