Wickremesinghe Critiques Government on Foreign Investments and Adolescent Education

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe criticized the NPP government’s failure to secure vital foreign investments, specifically the USD 700 million Adani project, stressing that delays could harm economic relations with India. Concurrently, a report indicated that approximately 29% of Sri Lankan adolescents are out of school, underscoring urgent health and educational concerns. In other news, the Hambantota International Port launched a project to study and protect coral species in line with eco-sustainable practices. Official talks between Sri Lanka and Australia are forthcoming to strengthen bilateral relations.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed serious concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s inability to secure significant foreign investments, particularly highlighting the halted USD 700 million Adani project. He stated, “Adani’s project is about USD 700 million. That’s no joke. We need that money to recover,” emphasizing the importance of this investment for the nation’s economic resurgence.

Wickremesinghe noted that additional projects in Trincomalee could have provided another USD 400–500 million, totaling over a billion dollars in stymied investments. During his recent appearance on Ada Derana’s ‘@Hydepark,’ he voiced disappointment with Sri Lanka’s indecisive approach regarding such investments, especially in light of commitments under the 2023 Indo-Sri Lanka Vision Document.

He expressed his embarrassment to Indian counterparts, acknowledging uncertainty about whether these projects are still under consideration or have been declined. Wickremesinghe warned that delays could jeopardize Sri Lanka’s economic relations with India, thereby discouraging potential investors. He underscored, “Once India invests in us, others will follow.”

Recognizing the economic stabilization of Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe insisted upon the necessity for fundamental reforms moving forward. He commented, “Right now, we are only stabilizing—nothing more. To move ahead, we need major changes. We don’t need to be poor; we can build a trillion-dollar economy.”

Separately, a disturbing report highlights that approximately 29% of Sri Lanka’s adolescents, or about 3.5 million young individuals aged 10 to 19, are currently out of school. This finding comes from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2024 and indicates pressing issues linked to health behaviors and educational attendance among youth.

The survey revealed significant concerns regarding substance use and unhealthy eating habits among adolescents, where 17.4% reported alcohol consumption, and many exhibited poor dietary choices such as daily sugary beverage intake and processed food. Weight issues were also prevalent: 21.4% were underweight, while 12.1% were overweight.

The GSHS report, presented by Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni at the Family Health Bureau Auditorium, was created by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, with assistance from the World Health Organization. It addresses various health issues impacting adolescents, intending to inform policy development.

In another initiative, the Hambantota International Port has initiated a Coral Reef Protection Project, aiming to study and safeguard coral species thriving within the port’s vicinity. The CEO of HIPG, Wilson Qu, highlighted this project as part of their eco-conscious policies to support environmental sustainability and marine ecosystem preservation.

This initiative, which will include a baseline study of coral species, is a collaboration with the Ocean University of Sri Lanka. Dr. M.F.M. Fairoz noted its educational value for students in marine biology, providing practical experience while contributing to vital research. The Port has allocated Rs. 1.2 million for the first phase of the coral project, with plans for future collaboration with a local university.

Moreover, official talks between Sri Lanka and Australia are scheduled to occur from March 25-26 in Canberra, involving discussions on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships covering topics such as economic partnerships, maritime cooperation, and education.

In summary, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has underscored the urgent need for Sri Lanka to attract foreign investments, such as the significant USD 700 million Adani project, pivotal for the country’s economic recovery. Concurrently, alarming statistics reveal a considerable proportion of Sri Lankan adolescents are out of school, emphasizing the necessity for health and education reforms. Additionally, the Hambantota International Port’s initiative to protect coral species exemplifies commitment to environmental sustainability. These pressing issues highlight the urgent reforms needed to enhance Sri Lanka’s economic and social landscape.

Original Source: island.lk