China & Sri Lanka have a long history of friendly relations.

The 3rd International Conference of Asian Political Parties is held at a time when Asia is witnessing a period of social advancement in many countries of the region. I am happy to note that my country has launched a rapid development programme. Our economic development programme is based on harnessing the national resources and accruing benefits from the advantages of globalization and regional economic cooperation.

Our government, which is only 5 months old, has already made significant achievements and initiated far reaching development programmes. All unemployed graduates numbering about 30,000 have been absorbed into the public service. Seventeen thousand appointments have been already given. The balance will be recruited before the end of this month.

Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural country. Our annals record that Sri Lanka was, one time the “granary of the east”. Our government has launched an accelerated programme aimed towards rapid development in the agricultural sector. We have just launched the huge project of restoration of ten thousand tanks.

In the field of economic development we lie heavily on promoting small and medium scale enterprises.

However, we have to be mindful of the challenges facing the development process, which is common to all developing countries.

Overcoming the ill effects of globalisation is a major common concern. Internal wars and terrorism are serious impediments to implementing development plans.

The challenges need to be converted into opportunities. Internal peace should be attained through negotiations.

We know that many Asian countries are on a fast track of economic growth. People’s Republic of China stands out as a great tower of economic growth and prosperity. Better cooperation among countries will provide opportunities to benefit each other by sharing our knowledge and experiences.

The economic well being of our peoples could be further improved by fostering greater understanding and practical cooperation among our countries.

I must mention the fact that China has offered friendly assistance to Sri Lanka on many occasions. China came to our rescue at an hour of crisis.

The world is increasingly becoming interdependent and incessantly globalized. In this environment, regional cooperation has a significant role to play in the task of achieving social development.

Exchanges, Cooperation, Development addresses not only Asian countries but also of other developing countries.

We, who have gathered as representatives of Asian political parties, should strive to build consensus among our countries to share a common programme to foster closer cooperation for economic prosperity and social progress.

Interdependence of countries is felt today, more than ever. Hence, promotion of regional cooperation among our countries is very necessary.

It would be prudent to appoint a standing committee of this conference to recommend proposals and formulate a plan of action for implementing a meaningful programme of practical cooperation among our countries.

We also must ensure that fruits of globalisation and regional economic cooperation should reach every household in our countries. Then only, the development of a country becomes meaningful.