The Government and people of Sri Lanka gratefully acknowledge the spontaneous and unprecedented response of the global community following the recent natural disaster that affected our Country on 26 December. Within hours, urgent humanitarian and medical aid were rushed to the island from different parts of the world. Within 3 days, no less than 44 countries had responded with offers of assistance. From the smallest wish to the largest pledge, we are still being overwhelmed with evidence of the world’s caring.

Now, as immediate relief measures have been provided, and rehabilitation has begun, the Government has taken stock of the damage and destruction. We recognize that along with the short-term need there is a long-term opportunity, and have adopted a strategy to help the nation recover both physically and economically.

Although the coastal areas affected by the tsunami form less than 1% of the total area of our island nation, destruction to life and property has been enormous. Therefore specialized psychosocial treatment forms a vital part of the recovery plan, to help survivors deal with the massive trauma they have experienced.

Most importantly, the resumption of economic activity will help people recover from their losses, and accelerate the healing process. We believe that, encouraged by the support shown by the rest of the world, the resilience of the Sri Lankan people will prevail.

Economic Impact

As many of you are aware, two pillars of the Sri Lankan economy are its exports of ready-made garments and tea. Thankfully, these two sectors have remained largely untouched by the tsunami.

In the case of the apparel industry, only two factories have been damaged. Others, in the days immediately following the wave, were faced with absenteeism. Many workers had lost family and homes, and all faced a very badly disrupted local transport system. However, within days, the companies affected had provided temporary accommodation for their workers, and the transport system had been restored to functional levels bar the railway. Currently, production at almost all apparel factories is at normal levels, as is our import, export and banking infrastructure, which did not sustain any damage at all. This means that our apparel industry is back on track; we will meet our delivery deadlines.

In the case of the tourism industry, the cost of damage is estimated at US$ 200 million. However, several hotels have already reopened, and hoteliers expect that 3,000 of the 4000 affected rooms will be operational within 3 months.

However it is not just seaside hotels that have been crippled; it is the entire tourism supply chain. The sellers of indigenous handicrafts, sweetmeats, straw hats and swimwear have had their livelihoods destroyed, as have had the providers of leisure, water sports, river cruises, and sightseeing tours. These people will need custom to rebuild their businesses.

But we need to project to the world that Sri Lanka is more than just a country of beautiful beaches. We have a 2500-year-old cultural heritage, and are home to no less than 7 out of 300 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From misty tea covered hills with spectacular waterfalls, archeological cities in the island’s hinterlands, to the largest biodiversity in the Asian region, our other national treasures have sustained no damage at all. Now with the beaches due for an accelerated upgrade program, Sri Lanka’s attraction as a diverse leisure destination can only increase.

Recovery Strategy

Sri Lanka is being helped through the current crisis with substantial international aid. But we do not want to rely on economic crutches for longer than necessary. Our desire is to create a future of strong, sustainable growth for a modern, unified Sri Lanka. Our actions, and the response of the global community over the next few months, will determine the attainability of this vision.

Three Presidential Task Forces have been set up, to address Relief and Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Law and Order issues in an inclusive and transparent process of consultation as behoves a functioning democracy.

We plan to further open up opportunities for project-based aid from individuals and organizations from around the world by publishing a list of projects available via the Task Force For Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN).

Larger infrastructure projects will also be made available for international participation on a Public-Private-Partnership basis. Such agreements encourage long-term quality investments, exactly what Sri Lanka needs at this point.

Also of major national implication is the damage to our coastal fishing industry, where nearly 70% of our fishing fleet has been lost. The replacement of these assets represents an excellent opportunity to invest in upgrading the capacity and technology of this traditional sector, in which we welcome foreign participation.

Sri Lankan people cast aside differences in race, religion and politics and stood shoulder to shoulder in the relief effort. They now need to start getting back to normal life. Let this have some purpose. You can support us by visiting Sri Lanka, and giving us business – the time is now and the potential is unlimited. We will deliver on our promises.

Thank you