Awesome democracy key to revitalising economy: Armitage

Former US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage yesterday hailed Sri Lanka for its demonstration of “awesome democracy” following the 8 January presidential election which he singled out as key for the revival of the country’s economy. 

Speaking at a luncheon meeting organised by the American Chamber of Commerce Armitage noted that recent cordial relations with Sri Lanka were down to strategic interests and said it had more to do with the “awesome demonstration of democracy” shown by the island nation at the start of the year, when the regime of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was ousted.

“There are fewer democracies today than there were in 2006. In Sri Lankawhat you see is the most awesome demonstration of democracy. As far as I am concerned, that is the single biggest pro-arguing point in the United States for better Sri Lankan relations.’’

“I don’t think anyone in the United States right now overlooks the difficulty of the journey the Government today has in front of them. But I think most people in the United States would be terribly excited, not for reasons of China and not for some strategic great game we want to play with Sri Lanka in the middle, but for the revitalisation of the democratic process and the revitalisation of the economy,” he added at the forum at which Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and MP Harsha de Silva were also present. 

In response to a remark by MP Harsha de Silva at the forum on the need for sweeping changes required to boost the economy, Armitage noted: “You speak of dramatic change, but I think of the enormity of the struggle this Government is going to have. We’ve touched on some of the issues; of accountability, reconciliation, and these enormous economic reforms. And it leads me to the question: a visitor to Sri Lanka today sees some optimism, sees hope; I see a lightness in the air, but how long does that last? Because each tough decision you take, you lose some small bit of your hope. How long will this Government be given?”