Export is not Promotion but Development

The present crisis in export is because the EDB, is focusing not on development but only on promotion. These views were expressed by K.S. Kulatunga, the first Director General addressing it’s ex-employees at a reception offered for him. The service rendered by Victor Santhiyapillai the first Chairman of the EDB was mentioned in the formative years of the Board and a plaque in his remembrance was handed over to the son Manik Santiapillai. K.S. Kulatunga who held the DG post in the EDB from 1979 to 1988 said exports should never be a subject for promotion like tourism but should focus on development. It is with this intention that the framers of the EDB floated the EPV programme something abandoned due to weak political pressure. He said the former Planning Ministry was doing something positive for implementation and enforcement but the present day crisis is the lack of enforcement mechanism.

It has entered FTAS with neighboring tiger nations including China. China invest in Vietnam in labour industries and reexport to western markets

He said Sri Lanka has so much to learn from Vietnam in the export industry. It had about 325 FTZS mostly located in the Southern part. After the end of the war there have been a reawakening of exports running to 17 billion US dollar investments.

It has entered FTAS with neighboring tiger nations including China. China invest in Vietnam in labour industries and reexport to western markets.

He emphasized the importance of preserving a green economy like in Vietnam, which is still our rural base and employment avenue. We can go for food security programme with abundance land for crop diversification and animal husbandry. We have to reinvest in Palmyrah products and wine by expanding grapes cultivation in the war torn lands. The success story of Vietnam he said is the high punishable offences like corruption which is admired by Investors. Our agriculture policy is lop sided with imports where we are self sufficient.

BANDULA NONIS