By Susan Tart and Zhang Ming'ai

After three decades of civil war, Sri Lanka is now geared up for reconstruction. The Sri Lankan government is focusing its attention on economic development, rehabilitation, resettlement and democratic rule during the post-conflict period.

Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama spoke at the China Institute of International Studies during his visit to Beijing on July 2, 2009. He addressed both the challenges and opportunities his country now faces.

Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama spoke at the China Institute of International Studies during his visit to Beijing on July 2, 2009.[China.org.cn]

Bogollagama said that since the war is now over, the next step is "to create the space for the economic and social development of our country and people."

Sri Lanka has attached great importance to the rebuilding of its economy. "We are looking at a very aggressive economic agenda in all parts of Sri Lanka. For the first time after 30 years, we have got an environment that is so conducive for economic growth," Bogollagama told China.org.cn.

Capitalizing on that opportunity, Bogollagama also heard from Chinese business representatives while in Beijing. He encouraged them to invest in his country and to take advantage of the country's favorable economic policies.

In his speech, Bogollagama expounded the political agenda of the Sri Lankan government. Two tough tasks for the nation include bringing all ethnic and religious groups together and providing basic provisions to the Tamil civilians who have been displaced by the war.

With regard to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Bogollagama mentioned that although the LTTE was militarily defeated, it still has a global network. Further efforts must be made to prevent a new insurgency and he called on the international community to help crack down on the global LTTE network.

"The post-conflict reconciliation would also involve reintegration of former combatants into the political and economic process as well," Bogollagama said. Sri Lanka is committed to devolving power to its provinces, which is stipulated in the 13th Amendment of the constitution. This is a big step forward to sharing powers with the Tamil minority and maintaining political stability, he added.

(China.org.cn July 3, 2009)