Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, has received assurance of continuous support from the United Nations (UN) in the country’s economic recovery efforts amidst the ongoing global economic downturn. This was expressed by the newly appointed UN Resident Representative, Marc-Andre’ Franche, during a meeting with the Prime Minister at Temple Trees.
Mr. Franche commended Sri Lanka for its impressive economic recovery from an unprecedented crisis over the past two years, stating that the country is heading in the right direction. However, he cautioned that the next few years will be challenging not only for Sri Lanka but also for many other countries due to the global economic downturn.
In response, Prime Minister Gunawardena assured Mr. Franche that several measures have been taken by the government to increase food production and ensure food security. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to diversify exports in order to enhance foreign exchange earnings and achieve long-term self-sufficiency in food production.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Gunawardena also briefed Mr. Franche on the government’s efforts in addressing the grievances of the people affected by the three-decade-long conflict. He highlighted that over 95% of the lands that were taken over during the conflict have been returned to their rightful owners, landmines have been cleared for safe cultivation, detainees have been released, and fisheries livelihoods have been restored to normalcy.
Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Franche thanked Sri Lanka for the valuable services rendered by Sri Lankans who have served in the UN system over the years. He acknowledged the progress made by institutions such as the Office of Missing Persons and urged for expedited work to address the remaining issues.
Prime Minister Gunawardena expressed his appreciation to the United Nations for its support to Sri Lanka and expressed confidence that the new Resident Representative, Mr. Franche, would elevate the level of cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UN.
The assurance of continuous UN support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery amidst the global economic downturn is a positive development. The government’s focus on increasing food production and diversifying exports demonstrates its commitment to ensuring food security and long-term economic stability. The efforts to address the grievances of those affected by the conflict also highlight the government’s commitment to reconciliation and healing. With the support of the United Nations and the dedication of the Sri Lankan government, the country can overcome the challenges posed by the global economic downturn and achieve sustainable development.
