Time to focus other areas than human rights; Mangala says Diplomatic Corps

Aug 31, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka needs to focus areas other than human rights in order to ensure long-term peace and stability, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

Addressing Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo recently Samaraweera said the key in ensuring long-term peace and stability and preventing the recurrence of conflict is coming through strengthening the economy.

“As much as we would need your invaluable support in terms of technical expertise in the setting up of domestic mechanisms, we think the time has now come to focus our attention to other areas which will contribute to strengthening our economy.” Samaraweera emphasized.

The Foreign Minister further stressed that the country needs to secure its access for goods and services in the global market while making them competitive.

“We look to you for assistance in terms of expertise in enhancing the quality of our goods and services for this purpose to be able to plug into value chains,” Samaraweera said.

“We want to equip our young people with the technical skills required for success in the present job markets around the world.” he said.

The Minister also invited new investors to explore opportunities available in setting up manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka to access the large markets in the subcontinent.

Currently Sri Lanka has in place, free trade agreements with both India and Pakistan.

“The Government will enact necessary legislation required to create investor confidence without delay,” he said.

“But we are aware that legislative reform alone will not reset the investment climate. Therefore, ensuring policy stability and creating a level playing field for all investors is a priority for the new government,”

“The bi-partisan consensus resulting from the National Government I am sure will aid in this process.” minister added.

He pointed out that fighting corruption will be one of the new Government’s primary objectives and new laws and institutions in line with the UN Principles on Anti-Corruption will also be adopted.

The Government is 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.

It includes Hambantota for ship building and manufacturing zone, Raigama for consumer and new technology, Maha Oya, Vanni and Killinochchi for Manufacturing, Colombo for commercial and monetary services, Kandy, Jaffna and Galle for IT.