Tamil Diaspora and Freedom Fighters has cost at least $200 Billion dollars - GOSL

Others estimate real costs could be double that number. - T4J

Scourge of terrorism cost Sri Lanka US $ 200 billion
Sat, 2009-03-07 03:10

By Quintus Perera - Asian Tribune

Colombo, 07 March, (Asiantribune.com): We need to convey theDr Palitha Kohonna, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressing the Key Persons Forum. Kosala Wickramanayake, President, FCCISL looks onDr Palitha Kohonna, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressing the Key Persons Forum. Kosala Wickramanayake, President, FCCISL looks on correct impression about Sri Lanka by its Foreign Missions thereby they could be helpful to develop the country’s economy, said Dr Palitha Kohona, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaking at the Key Persons’ Forum organized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) held at JAIC Hilton Hotel. He spoke on “How Sri Lanka ’s Foreign Missions can help to Develop Our Economy”.

Kosala Wickramanayake, President, FCCISL welcoming the guests said that they would be thankful to Dr Kohona for gracing the occasion as Dr Kohona was seriously involved with the conducting of SAARC Standing Committee.

Dr Kohona continuing said that it is the task for the Foreign Ministry and their Missions to rectify the adverse propaganda carried out by the LTTE as the military advance now has become unstoppable.

He said that due to the negative campaign carried on by the LTTE Sri Lanka’s image has suffered terribly. It impacted on the travel industry discouraged inward investment, putting pressure on taxation rates, absorbing scarce reserves which could have been used for investment purposes, affecting business confidence causing delays to infrastructure development, causing many a brilliant mind to leave the country.

He said the scourge of terrorism is estimated to have cost the country US $ 200 billion. The LTTE used the tactics of destroying the economy and infrastructure in addition to destroying people and property. He said that these atrocities were backed by a relentless propaganda barrage that painted a hopeless picture of Sri Lanka .

Dr Kohona said these calculated devastating terrorist activities impacted the economy as development aid levels from certain donors dipped, tourists became less inclined to visit and foreign direct investment required more convincing.

He said that contrary to predictions, the economy of the country has held firm and moved forward and as the war recedes the government has massive plans for developing the country as a whole.

- Asian Tribune -