Building on success

The success achieved by Construction Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne in securing US$ 500 million worth of construction contracts in Qatar for Sri Lankan builders it is hoped would open the doors for similar ventures for Lankans in specialised fields abroad.

Sri Lanka has for sometime come to be known only for her export of housewives and this new development would no doubt help change this position and make Lankans better known for their skills and expertise in diversified fields.

Sri Lankans no doubt are capable of competing with the best in the world in most fields as we come across time and again from media accounts of some of their exploits. These, however have been isolated instances and there has not been much opportunity to stamp a Sri Lankan identity in any particular field in the overseas job market.

What has been lacking so far is proper exposure for Lankans to excel in specified fields so that they would gain recognition and identified for their expertise.

The new development while helping Sri Lankans to stamp their class in the overseas job market would also bring in enhanced foreign exchange revenue to the country. Minister Rajitha Senaratne should therefore be applauded for opening the doors for Lankan builders to get a toehold on the Construction sector in the world’s third richest country.

A world of caution though. With projects such as Eastern Reawakening and other mega projects now on the drawing boards care should also be exercised not to precipitate an exodus of construction workers at a time their services are needed the most within the country.

In this regard we are in a dilemma. But it is hoped that the President’s appeal sometime ago to Sri Lankan architects and builders who had sought greener pastures abroad to return home and help in the country’s rebuilding activities would strike a ready chord and redress the balance somewhat.

Global fame for Lankans

Yet another Sri Lankan has won international recognition for achievement in a specific field. The latest is Dr. Ranjith Mapa Professor of Soil Science University of Peradeniya.

He received the prestigious 2007 International Partners Award from the Agricultural Institute of Canada at ceremony in Edmonton attended by 300 agricultural experts from around the world. It was just last month that Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, the deputy chief of the Nobel Peace Prize winning UN body on climate change gained world recognition for this efforts.

This and other achievements by Lankans that have caught the international eye has not only brought glory to these men and women of eminence at a personal level.

It also naturally raises the image and prestige of the country not to mention standing with the outside world. But have we recognised these achievements of our honoured sons and daughters in a fitting way?

Alas this does not seem to the case in Sri Lanka where exactly the opposite takes place - a case of genius not honoured in his own country. We often learn from newspapers and the electronic media of Sri Lankans winning international awards in some field of endeavour.

After the initial euphoria where the person concerned is feted and eulogised nothing is heard of these men and women. Instances are legion where Governments have either failed to honour these personages in an appropriate manner or have ignored them.

The country can certainly be proud of her sons and daughters of the soil who have brought honour and glory to their Motherland. The question that begs the answer is why haven’t we made use of the talents and expertise of these eminent personages for the benefit of the country.

The achievement of Prof. Mapa in the field of agriculture is significant given that we are an agricultural country.

Is it going to be another instance where his expertise will be denied to us and used by another country to lift their agricultural sector ? It is time the Government awakens itself to reality and make every attempt towards retaining the expertise and talents of Lankans who have gained world recognition through their specific achievements before their skills are solicited elsewhere at great cost to the country.

This is a time when we need all the expert assistance we can give the development projects that are about take off where quality input will be needed. These men of eminence should be offered incentives to remain in the country and above all their achievements should be recognised by us in a fitting way.

No room should be left for intrigue and sabotage in their attempts to reach higher goals. Politics should not come into play in the treatment of persons who have brought fame to the country by their international achievements.