A country rich with natural resources and potential for economic prosperity for over 25 years has been hampered due to more than two decades of civil strife. 26 years down the line, a glimmer of hope lies within all Sri Lankans’ for the end of the war and a united nation. We  need to be reminded that destruction caused due to the
26 year civil war, has placed the entire country 50 years behind in economic
development and the road ahead in resurrecting a country down trodden with war and terror can only be uplifted if all individuals come together as one.  We as a nation must to try and instil in the
mind set of both the Singhalese and Tamils of “ Never Again “ mentality
towards war.

The end of the war; will emerge a sea of opportunities for Sri Lankans’ and finally provide a favourable and ideal climate for trade and investment. However, the favourable climate and progression towards economic stability will solely depend on the Government of Sri Lanka’s (GOSL) identification of key priorities and strategies, the methodology in how it would be addressed and the support from private sector.  Development of disadvantaged areas such as the as the North and Eastern province of Sri Lanka will be identified as key priorities and funds utilised to reconstruct the region must
be spent on sustainable economic projects.

Foreign funding is available from various developed countries and international development banks, which are keen to fund identified projects, which can be directly administered and supervised to enable the donors to be satisfied that the funds are reaching the designated beneficiaries.

Primary concerns of the people in the disadvantaged areas are whether the foreign aid, which was denied to the people of the areas over the past 25 years in particular, would be would be utilised effectively. Hence, it is important to address the identification of priority projects and administer it on a project-by-project basis, so that tangible results can be seen and shown to both the donors and recipients. This would further create Business Opportunities for the private sector provided financial assistance is forthcoming. On this subject it is very important to respect the sensitivities of the people of the region and give preference to local companies of the area and if it is large projects incorporate local companies as a joint venture or strategic partners. This would avoid local resentment and provide transparency to all the projects. For example small projects such building schools, supplying furniture and other small implements to several sectors, should be given to local contractors.

Peace dividends such as the reduction in defence expenses should be strongly encouraged and the savings should be invested in the region.  This would provide the economic stimulus, which is needed in this region.  All land mines in the region should be immediately removed and the GOSL, with the assistance from recognised International agencies and NGO's to declare the region free of land mines as soon as possible.

The EU Sri Lanka Business Summit will be a platform to initiate public and private dialog and partnership in rebuilding the nation through identification of effective economic strategies.