War over in three weeks: G.L

Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday assured that the war would be over in three weeks and that there was a line of countries waiting to aid the development process in the North. Addressing the media the Minister maintained that they were currently holding discussions with several European countries including Switzerland on obtaining aid to assist the development process once the hostilities ceased. Insisting that the rewards of a sustainable peace would boost the economy he stressed that “taking loans is not an issue as long as they are used constructively.”
Noting that Sri Lanka had increased its circle of trade relations by adding Iran, China, Vietnam and Turkey to take advantage of diverse export opportunities he questioned as to why only the IMF loan was attracting such ire.
“The first benefit of all these development programmes will be experienced by the Western Province. Over 40% of development is based in the Western Province and people living here are directly affected by it. They must remember that if it weren’t for these loans and investors the economy would be in dire straits. The economic rejuvenation of the north will filter down to all other sections of the country and therefore we must welcome it,” he said.
Encouraging local investors as well Peiris revealed that Brandix was building an apparel company to give 1, 700 new jobs in Trincomalee. “The opening of the A9 and recommencement of the Yal Devi are all indicative of these signs of progress. They must be welcomed. As for the IMF loan it is apparent that it is due to external issues. Exports have been universally affected and if the revenue of the government had remained as we expected then this would not have been necessary. Unfortunately, exports have dipped by around 40% and we must find a way to deal with that.” (UJ)