https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (Diplomatic Star): Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, has underscored the transformative potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and discussed critical issues impacting education and trade between the two nations.
In an exclusive interview with Alliance News, Admiral Wijegunaratne shared his insights on how CPEC can bolster economic growth and addressed challenges related to school dropouts in Sri Lanka.
Admiral Wijegunaratne highlighted that CPEC is poised to significantly enhance business opportunities in Pakistan. He noted that the corridor will improve trade routes and reduce costs, positioning Pakistan as a major player in regional trade. “CPEC will provide a substantial economic boost and open up significant business potential for Pakistan,” he said.
The High Commissioner also pointed out the strong trade potential between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, stressing the numerous opportunities for both countries to expand economic cooperation.
The discussion then shifted to education, where Admiral Wijegunaratne identified financial constraints as a key factor contributing to high dropout rates among children. “Financial reasons are a major barrier to education,” he explained. To combat this issue, Sri Lanka has invested heavily in its education sector, dedicating about half of the country’s GDP to achieve an impressive 96 percent literacy rate.
The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of providing support to families to prevent school dropouts. He proposed that offering meals to children at school could significantly increase enrollment and attendance.
“Offering food at school can attract a large number of children and encourage them to stay in school,” Admiral Wijegunaratne said. He believes that alleviating financial pressures on parents is crucial for ensuring that children continue their education without interruption.
In addition to education, Admiral Wijegunaratne praised the robust bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
He highlighted the substantial trade potential that exists between the two countries and expressed optimism about future economic collaboration. “Both nations have numerous opportunities to expand trade, and there is a lot of potential for increased economic cooperation,” he stated.
The High Commissioner also shared his positive experiences visiting Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where he was welcomed warmly by locals. “Pakistani people are very friendly. Whenever I visit rural areas, I am met with genuine hospitality,” he remarked.
He encouraged Pakistan to capitalize on its natural beauty to attract more tourists, noting that the country’s stunning landscapes offer significant potential for the tourism sector. “Pakistan needs to focus more on its tourism as it has very beautiful landscapes for tourists,” he suggested.
On the topic of trade, Admiral Wijegunaratne emphasized the importance of CPEC and its potential impact on regional trade routes. He explained that once fully operational, CPEC will offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional sea routes.
“CPEC would change the future of Pakistan and other Central Asian states. The current sea route for trade is very costly, and CPEC will provide a significant alternative,” he said.
The High Commissioner also expressed optimism about the economic prospects of the Gwadar port in Pakistan, describing it as a key driver of business and economic growth. “There is huge potential in Gwadar port, and it will generate significant business opportunities for Pakistan,” he added.
Admiral Wijegunaratne, who has a passion for travel and motorbiking, shared that he feels a sense of home while traveling through Pakistan. “I love to travel on a motorbike. It makes me feel like I am in my home country,” he said with a smile.
Furthermore, he spoke fondly of Sri Lanka’s cricketing legends, including Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva, highlighting the sport’s importance in Sri Lankan culture. “People often remember our cricketers like Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva. Cricket is very famous among people, and many know us in Pakistan due to the 1996 World Cup held in Lahore,” he concluded.
