Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Palitha Kohona said that the scourge of terrorism is estimated to have cost the country US $ 200 billions.  

“The LTTE used the tactics of destroying the economy and infrastructure in addition to destroying people and property. These atrocities were backed by a relentless propaganda barrage that painted a hopeless picture of Sri Lanka.” Dr. Kohona said.

Dr. Kohona made this comments at the Key Persons’ Forum Organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka (FCCISL).  

Dr Kohona in his speech pointed out that 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. 

“We need to convey the correct impression about Sri Lanka by its Foreign Missions  thereby they could be helpful to develop the country’s economy, said he said.

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.

Courtesy: Dailymirror.lk