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Object lesson in positive imaging

Having withstood the test of time, Sino-Sri Lanka ties today assume the dimensions of a model, mutually - beneficial relationship, which promises to expand and grow.

As Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, has, rightly, pointed out to the China-Sri Lanka Trade, Investment and Tourism Promotion Seminar in Beijing, the Sino-Sri Lanka Rubber-Rice Pact, which was a veritable epitome of the healthy trade relations between the countries, marked a past phase in the vibrant economic ties between the states.

This uncomplicated exchange agreement, which served Sri Lanka so well, now needs to give way to a vast array of trade and business ties between the countries, which should exploit to the fullest the new economic opportunities thrown-up by the era of globalization. China is, of course, well on the way to becoming one of the world's foremost economic giants but we are glad that Premier Wickremesinghe has lucidly and deftly outlined the areas of our economy which could be further developed through an infusion of Chinese capital and business expertise.

The picture which emerges of Sri Lanka from the Prime Minister's speech is not that of an aid-dependent, economically stagnant country but one which is pregnant with vast possibilities of advancement, which could, on the basis of mutually-beneficial economic linkages with the economic power houses of the world, such as China, flower further into a dynamically-oriented growth economy.

Thus has the Prime Minister taken the initiative to counter the stereotypical image of Sri Lanka as the pitiable "beggar with the bowl," to a land of vast economic promise - the "economic hub of South Asia" to be exact.

Positive imaging of this kind is a need of the moment. We are, as the Prime Minister pointed out, akin to Hong Kong in the economic potential which is waiting to be tapped. Our central geographical position in the Indian Ocean makes the comparison even more striking.

However, all these positives and more could be developed only if Sri Lanka forges steadily ahead with the peace process. As the Premier points out, this needs to be done enthusiastically and all Lankans need to shoulder this challenge courageously.

The LTTE is, of course, a key party to the peace process and much would depend on how readily it cooperates in bringing peace. But, the LTTE cannot be made an excuse for one backing-down or shying away from a supportive position. This applies to all political actors as well as the general populace.

Another salient issue which should be countenanced in this context is the problem of poverty. The Lankan Government needs to do its utmost to attract foreign investment and should enable it to serve national needs but the State must also ensure that economic growth doesn't merely "trickle-down" to the poor but positively contributes towards their empowerment.

Here's where the rub is. "Dynamic" economic growth doesn't necessarily translate into pro-poor growth. Only a pro-poor growth strategy based on the principle of economic equity will bring about balanced development and all-around well-being.

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