Food self-sufficiency, key to development - Prof Yoshio

Atapattu BANDARA

Food self-sufficiency is the key to sustainable development and Sri Lanka's attempt in this regard is commendable, Professor at Shinzu University, Japan, Shimizu Yoshio said.

Organizations like Mawbima Lanka Foundation will encourage people to be patriotic and increase local production as Japan did sometime ago, he further said.

He was delivering a lecture organized by the Mawbima Lanka Foundation in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Japan- Sri Lanka diplomatic relations at Sausiripaya yesterday. Prof. Yoshio, speaking on the theme - "The Development of Industry and Economy of Sri Lanka - from the perspective of Japanese Experience" - said development should be gained without harming the culture and traditions of the country.

Japan experienced its development during 1950 to 1985 and it entered the international market from 1985, he said. "But we are still not independent. Japan does actually what America wants. Many Japanese know this reality but they wont discuss this in public," he said.

"We are still an American colony, he said. Japan has been considered as an enemy of the world after the Second World War and that is still effective. The UN Articles 53, 77 and 107 have restricted the Japanese position and any country can attack Japan under these laws at any time. That's why Japan remains silent on many occasions. We can't speak in favour of Sri Lanka as our mouths are closed by these Articles of the UN," he said.

The Professor reiterated that Asian economies are emerging and USA and Europe are struggling to pull the legs of the Asians hampering their the progress. Japan was also not given opportunities by American imperialism till the North Korean war was started in 1950. America kept Japanese economy on agriculture and used it as their Asian defense base.

'Industrialized economy came into existence in Japan after 1950. Sri Lanka in that sense is independent and has a huge potential of being developed independently. The Professor expressed his surprise why Sri Lanka is not producing less expensive and least technologically driven three wheelers on their own.

A three wheeler is a good option for many Sri Lankans and it is a most profitable and economical small vehicle. With some advanced technology Sri Lanka should manufacture three wheelers in Sri Lanka itself, he said.

Sri Lanka should start from basics and can be developed methodically. Japan can assist Sri Lanka to develop an industrial economy. "Sri Lanka has a proven record that they have the manpower and knowledge to gain industrial progress," he remarked.

The Professor commended the Mawbima Lanka Foundation and its activities to promote Sri Lankan products and prevent outflow of foreign exchange unnecessarily. Sri Lanka has proved that they can face the challenges and organizations like Mawbima Lanka will save Sri Lankan customers from foreign subjugation through their products.

'Sri Lankans should take this challenge collectively and if the Asians work closely, the outside domination can be minimized, he said. 'The self sustainability should be maintained while safeguarding the cultural values and that should never be mixed with others. By increasing self sufficiency in food and industry any country despite its geographical location and extent can be developed, he said.

'If Sri Lanka succeeded in accomplishing this target Sri Lanka can be a model to the other nations of the world. A strong leadership is needed not only for food production but also for the improvement of industries too, he added.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/04/05/news23.asp