SL to reintroduce ancient economic policies

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka should reintroduce economic policies which was followed by its forefathers during ancient times in order to get itself out of the present economic crisis.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said this at a ceremony to deposit the sacred relics at a restored ancient Chaithya in Rajagala in Ampara last evening.

“A document published by London University College had revealed that Sri Lanka was a marine hub in the past. Some writings published in China had revealed that Sri Lanka had produced large ships in the past. There are documents which confirm that Sri Lanka was a trade hub.

It has been revealed that Sri Lanka was a transshipment hub in the past as goods that came from China to Sri Lanka were re-exported to countries such as Europe and Middle-east while goods that were imported from Arabia were re-exported to countries such as China.

Greek, Arabian and Chinese coins found from ancient archaeological sites suggest that Sri Lanka was engaged in international trade especially exports,” the Prime Minister said.

“Exports are the only way out of the present global economic crisis. Countries such as Thailand has not been affected as that country earns a very high export revenue. Therefore, Sri Lanka should also go for an export driven economy just as its forefathers did,” he added.

Also, the Prime Minister said archaeological sites could be developed through collective efforts of local, foreign universities and Department of archaeology.

Minister of Social Welfare and Primary Industries Daya Gamage said Sri Lanka could see itself through the present economic crisis if the government develops the archaeological sites and make them popular tourist destinations.

Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said the government will start restoring the ancient site of Deegawapiya.

Director General Department of Archaeology P B Mandawala said Rajagala has the potential of being a world heritage site.

The Rajagala site comprises 590 artifacts and it is believed that monk Uttiya who accompanied Arahath Mahinda who brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka had lived in this area. Also thousands of Arahaths have lived in Rajagala thousands of years ago.

A document published by London University College had revealed that Sri Lanka was a marine hub in the past