'Time to catch up with other giants '

18 November 2010 11:09 am

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka must catch up with other fast developing economic giants in the region like China and India and walk in tandem with them if Sri Lanka to be recognized and heard in the international forums.

Addressing a ceremony held to mark the entering of the first ship to the newly constructed ‘Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port’ in Hambantota this morning, President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka has proven its existence in the global map as a vibrant and fast developing country with the opening of the new port.

‘Sri Lanka has the potential to achieve great success in naval, air, power, trade and IT sectors and become a focal point in Asia. The completion of construction of the first phase of the Magampura Port signifies the efficiency and the dedication of the people in Sri Lanka. The mutual understanding and the friendship between the Chinese engineers and technicians and our people also contributed to this,’ he added. (SAJ)