Deng Xiaoping’s quote…..
13 February 2017Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama has spoken extensively, on the Colombo Port City project which is being carried out with the help of China, in an exclusive interview with Ceylon Today.
China's ability in erecting mega constructions dates back to several centuries with its historic Great Wall which remains one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Taking into consideration the new world order under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping China has reformed itself from hardcore communist political ideologies developing healthy political, industrial and commercial links, globally.
Sri Lanka has been enjoying healthy diplomatic relations with China for several decades, and the country has stood by the Island nation during the three decades of the separatist war without interfering in the internal political issues of the country.
The mega Colombo Port City project becomes the first major post-war development project in Sri Lanka to be carried out with Chinese assistance.
The capital city Colombo was first developed as a commercial hub with the harbour during the British period. However, with the increase in the maritime activities, the necessity of expanding Colombo's landscape has become inevitable with China playing a constructive role in developing the Colombo Port City project.
Minister Malik Samarawickrama's interview with Sunday edition of the Ceylon Today has clearly highlighted the government's stance with regard to the Colombo Port City project.
The off shore Colombo Port City project will cover an area of 1,200 acres. The new landscape is expected to attract big time investors creating employment opportunities, extensively.
The famous quote of the founder of modern China Deng Xiaoping is important to be remembered at this juncture: "It doesn't matter a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice."
There were several views expressed from different angles over the Colombo Port City project. However, Sri Lanka must live up to the quote of the great Chinese reformist Deng Xiaoping and decide what is best for the country.
China being a global economic giant, remains an exemplary country even handling the industrial sector internationally. The Made in China tag in all popular international brands have highlighted China's best form of give and take policy since the country lifted its bamboo curtain to the outside world.
In recent years there were criticisms when China's maritime silk route issue surfaced. However, China proved itself in a unique way by launching its first ever freight train service to London at the very beginning of this year covering the distance of 7,500 miles through ten countries.
The freight train service from China to London is another achievement of China in proving its global trade relations by operating a train service from one end to the other end in the world.
Therefore, China's coordination in strengthening the Sri Lankan economy is inevitable.
All pros and cons of constructing the new Colombo Port City have been taken into consideration carefully according to Minister Malik Samarawickrama.
Commenting further on the Colombo Port City project, Minister Samarawickrama has stated that Sri Lanka would get the best out of the Chinese involvement in the project. Minister Samarawickrama has further stated that China has already agreed to pay the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for the land, which has been offered to them on a 99 year old lease.
The picturesque plan of the Colombo Port City is expected to fulfil Sri Lanka's 'Singapore dream' in a fabulous way and even to boost the overall economy of the country.
The Independent India's first Governor General C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) once said that "it is better to have a friendship with the rich man than with a beggar."
So with China remaining one of the strongest economies in the world, its involvement in the Colombo Port City project could be seen as a solid link in taking Sri Lanka to great heights in achieving its goals economically.
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