There is much common ground between Pakistan and Sri Lanka that can be successfully exploited
Question: Asia is home to divergent currents at present. On the one hand there is intense economic activity, particularly in the wake of the Chinese Silk Road project that is integrating regional economies, but on the other there are diplomatic challenges like the Pak-India fallout. How can brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka bolster the economic progress and help overcome diplomatic hurdles?
Wijayanthi Edirisinghe: Pakistan is the second lagers economic partner to Sri Lanka in South Asia. Sri Lanka singed Free Trade Agreements with Pakistan in 2005. Since the signing of the agreement bilateral trade has increased up to USD4 million. We expected to enhance our trade up to USD1 billion this year.
The Pak–China economic corridor is one of the successful achievements that Pakistan entered into this year. This corridor will give opportunities not only Pakistan and China, but I believe it will give rise to opportunities all over the region to help develop economic relations from south to east
The geopolitical location of Pakistan is very important. It has a very dynamic position as a member of SAARC. Within the regional integration both countries can benefit and help develop each other’s economy though SAFTA initiatives. However, due to some internal and external problems faced by our region today, we cannot achieve SAARC goals as we were expected.
The Pak–China economic corridor is one of the successful achievements that Pakistan entered into this year. This corridor will give opportunities not only Pakistan and China, but I believe it will give rise to opportunities all over the region to help develop economic relations from south to east. This Silk Route Initiative can being many benefits to SAARC.
Q: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have stressed the need for a more empowered SAARC platform. Do you think the solution likes in increased interaction – especially economic – between members states, since binding financial links are seen as key to realigning bilateral political relations in the modern era?
WE: Bilateral political relations are very imported for both counties to develop their trade ties. If counties are not politically stable or do not enjoy friendly ties or if there is some conflict between counties, it is very difficult to maintain good economic relations. Sri Lanka and Pakistan maintain very close and cordial relation since 1949.
In this modern era we should strive for economic integration even in the face of political conflicts among states, especially within neighbouring counties. On the other hand if countries develop their economic and trade ties with each other, it will help to main goodwill among the partnering nations through people to people contact and though the popular market.
Q: There is a need to improve trade volume between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Are the two countries presently working on mechanisms to identify areas where trade can be expanded?
WE: Of course our bilateral relationship is very dynamic and cooperation between the two counties is very high in every field, but we cannot be satisfied with our existing trade volume, which is not strong. Both countries should put in maximum effort for enhancing bilateral trade. The current trade volume is not enough since we have more opportunities to enhance our economic relations. Pakistan- Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreements and Joint Economic Commissions had given a concrete policy frame work for development.
Also, from time to time Pakistan and Sri Lanka exchange delegations to enhance trade relations. Last month a Sri Lankan tea promotion delegation visited Pakistan to extend Ceylon Tea to the Pakistan market. There is a proposal that high level trade and investment delegations from Pakistan will visit Sri Lanka to seek opportunities there.
Q: Considering how the war against terrorism remains the most pressing theme in much of the continent, Sri Lanka’s experience in post-insurgency action will be crucial. What lessons does your country has to offer for erecting a national narrative that wins hearts and minds after the bombs and bullets have done their work?
WE: Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world that defeated a dangerous terrorist insurgency successfully. It is a tremendous achievement. Three decades of war had damaged Sri Lanka internally and externally. During the war many people sacrificed their lives. Not only military personnel but also innocent civilians were liked by brutal terrorists. It affected both parties.
Operations against LTTE terrorists were crucial and instructive. Wherever wars are being waged, the battlefields become crucial
Operations against LTTE terrorists were crucial and instructive. Wherever wars are being waged, the battlefields become crucial. We never believe that it was an ethnic conflict. Because all the tamil people were not in favour of LTTE. We are a multi-cultural, multi-religious country. All over Sri Lanka you can see temples, mosques and churches.
In the post war scenario certain international circles raised the issue of Sri Lankan violations of human rights. However, the government of Sri Lanka carried out its own investigations; raising issues like compensation for people victimised by the war. I am happy to inform you that rehabilitation and reconstruction of war affected areas is being conducted successfully. The country is moving towards peaceful development, especially in economic and social sectors.
Q: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been traditionally very close in sports, especially cricket. Now that Pakistan has improved its security environment, and is striving to invite foreign teams, will Sri Lanka be among the teams visiting anytime in the foreseeable future?
WE: Pakistani and Sri Lankan are both cricket loving countries. I know Pakistan is waiting for the Sri Lankan cricket team to visit. Pakistani cricket is currently going through a healthy rejuvenation. After a long pause, the Zimbabwean team was here recently. I watched the final match at the stadium and some Sri Lankan official from our cricket board also visited. Security and related negotiations were conducted successfully. So I hope that in the coming year our team will visit Pakistan and we will play some good cricket.
