The following keynote address was delivered at the Annual Symposium of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on December 4, 2009. Air Chief Marshal WDRMJ Goonetileke RWP and bar, VSV, USP, ndc, psc, Acting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
‘Free of burning issues’ has merely been a dream in the context of this historical land for almost 30 years until the evil menace of terrorism was crushed in the month of May this year.
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Air Chief Marshal Goonetileke |
We, as a nation were able to accomplish that tremendous task under the resolute leadership of the President and our Commander in Chief, Mahinda Rajapaksa. We as a team, wherein the Secretary, Ministry of Defence was the leader, acted upon collectively to make the ‘impossible’, an achievable mission. Now what lies ahead of us needs to be explored in the right scale and in the right perspective once again as a team.
In that, we should always be prepared to proficiently handle, the numerous pressures exerted on us at varying degrees both internally and externally. A better future would invariably lie on solid initiatives taken today in line with the trends that have triggered an upward course in global economies. Though recent recession across the world has slowed down many vibrant economies, Sri Lanka’s economic prudence was able to tolerate the negative trends thereof quite successfully.
The financial machinery of our country too was burdened to the limit until recently due to extensive counter terrorist activities.
However, bold measures implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka did not allow our economy to fall prey to the negative trends. In fact, the manner in which the development was taken to the grassroots of the Island irrespective of these phenomena is extremely praiseworthy. It is very heartening to learn that many on-going large scale projects are focussed on long-term benefits to the nation.
In these endeavours, there are certain specific elements that our nation can ever boast of. One of the leading elements is the character of resilience that makes our nation a truly dynamic force. This has been proven more than once in the recent history. Post Tsunami recovery in 2004 and the steady progress we have so far made since May this year amply testify to this fact.
All the same, the quality of human resources we possess too is an absolute asset in our efforts of exploring a better future. Significantly, the literacy rate of Sri Lanka, which is the highest in the South Asian region itself, speaks volumes about it. The abundant fertile land we own too is a huge strength of the nation. Especially, being a country that is largely dependant on agricultural industries of varying nature. Geographically, the Island occupies a perfect slot in the Indian Ocean offering us enormous opportunities to explore many a venture.
Cultural influences
Among the strengths the nation also takes pride in highly praised standards of social values that we inherit thanks to the unique cultural influences. The other indices, we take a keen interest in maintaining significantly high standards in the health sector too. By working very hard, we have proved the nation’s potentials in such service arenas as well.
At the same time, the exceedingly high growth we have recorded in ICT in the recent past could well be the principal medium of building a remarkable future very soon. Now the time is ripe for making a strong and steady headway using the optimum advantages of all our strengths. In pursuit of lasting prosperity, we must exploit every opportunity leaving no stone unturned. New spheres would not just appear unless we grab opportunities and research deep into all areas with a meaningful vista of the future.
You may already be aware that, even in the midst of global economic downturn, Sri Lanka recorded a 1.5 percent GDP growth for the first quarter of 2009. The three main sectors of agriculture, industry and services of the GDP have grown by three percent, 1.9 percent and one percent respectively. With an economy of 39.6 billion dollars in 2008, and a per capita GDP of about 4,300 dollars – Sri Lanka has mostly had strong growth rates in recent years.
The ‘United Nations Millennium Declaration’ identifies eight key areas as Millennium Development Goals which are commonly referred to as MDGs. This declaration has rightly placed the ‘eradicating of extreme poverty and hunger’ at the top of its list. The MDGs aim to spur development by improving social and economic conditions of the developing and under developed countries at least by 2015.
The categorical efforts made by our country too in this aspect would be an ideal platform for us to embark upon exploring opportunities for a brighter tomorrow. Nevertheless, now I would like to draw your attention to the Chapter Six of the Constitution of Sri Lanka which prescribes the ‘Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties’. In fact, the fundamental objectives spelt out in this Chapter go far beyond that of MDGs.
Unarguably, the aspect of Education plays the pivotal role in developing a nation and the ‘Chapter Six’ emphatically endorses this. A sound education system that produces right resources would eliminate half the burden of taking the country forward. Total modernization of all other vital industries and services is an urgent need of the hour. ICT, Healthcare, Agriculture, Petroleum (which will be a whole new experience), Tourism, Garments and Textile, Transport Systems catering to both national and international needs, Animal Husbandry, Manufacturing Industry, Power Generation would invariably top the list.
Global partnership in these efforts is inevitable on agreed terms and conditions beneficial to all parties. Foreign investments even in service sector needs to be promoted to gain high end market values for quality human resources we possess. New concepts may be developed in presenting our heritage and cultural inheritances to the global community attracting them into high end tourism.
Low Carbon Economy
However, in its entirety, ensuring a Low Carbon Economy should take precedence over any other aspect. Thus far, we have maintained the environment reasonably well to acceptable global standards. We shall strengthen on these aspects by drawing plans to further minimize the emission of Greenhouse Gases.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I believe I was able to shine some light on the strengths and opportunities that our nation could well explore for a better future. Creative thinking and extensive researches in all relevant fields would have brought many researchers and scholars together to make this symposium a highly successful event.
I congratulate the KDU for organizing this timely symposium for the second successive year. And I wish all the scholars and researchers who would be presenting their papers in subsequent sessions, good luck and all the best. I hope you would reap the optimum benefits of this rare opportunity by tabling some very educational and informative topics, as planned.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Dream!, Explore!, and Discover!.” Mark Twain
Courtesy: Daily News
