People of various origins from all corners of the globe inhabited Sri Lanka long before ‘paper’ was invented by the Chinese. When British introduced democratic governance on a ‘paper’ Sri Lankans started editing it in 1948 calling it their constitution. Constitution helps to prevent conflicts but Sri Lankans were conflicting & ended in an economic crisis. Stability is essential for socio economic development. For centuries, people born all over have contributed to that cause as citizens, honorary citizens & some were even considered national heroes (e.g. Ven. S. Mahinda).

American Colonel Henry Olcott got powers on paper from 7 Mahanayakas to preach ‘Panchaseela’ to lay people. British national Hilda Kularatne got citizenship through marriage & established many Girls schools. Honorary citizen Arthur Clarke was the Chancellor of Moratuwa University & Indian born Minister Saumyamurthi Thondaman was special as he got involved in national politics as an honorary citizen. Honorary citizen singer Mohideen Beg’s songs are still used as soft tools for conflict prevention. In one, he questions why people accumulate wealth? (‘මොකටද කාසි බාගේ හොයා තියා’). However, as a country coming out of an economic crisis, it is necessary to accumulate wealth to stabilize the state to prevent future conflicts. Although political circles are conflicting on Sri Lankan born former State Minister Diana Gamage, her views on fast tracking economic development should be studied by all interested. Those who have seen how other countries develop may find it easy to understand.

Diana’s Kingdom

Ms. Diana Gamage is a past pupil of Nugegoda ‘Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya’ (Ref. Media). Nugegoda was a part of Sri Jayewardenepura which was the capital of the Kotte kingdom. Kotte chronicles indicate that Great China helped to develop the Kingdom on the request of Buddhist monks. Although SL ended in an economic crisis due to its own faults, China under the leadership of the Chinese Communist party became world’s 2^nd largest economy. They continue to introduce creative ways to develop economic dual circulation. Tourism sector is a key area SL can learn from China. It is an opportunity to attract tourists not only along the Belt & Road but from all parts of the globe. They say one should think like a tourist to attract tourists. Hence, those who call Diana a tourist but still wish to see the country develop have space to think. Creative professionals in the tourism industry can design products combining below concepts focusing only on Sri Jayawardenepura geographical area.

Tourist attraction methods in China

1. Shuangqiao night market, Kunming (hundreds of vendors gather to bring the streets of Shuangqiao village to life offering authentic Yunnan snacks, barbecue, hot pot, skewers, fried treats, pickled specialties, stews, fruit delights, & much more).
2. Eco-Funiu Tourism Highway, Henan Province (1400 KMs covering charming villages & stunning scenic spots. It connects 28 scenic spots & benefits more than 2 million residents).
3. Dragon boat competition in Yunlong, Ningbo, Zhejiang. It is the birthplace of Chinese dragon boat culture & has a long history of dragon boat racing. International rowers join local teams to create international camaraderie.
4. Nanjing Folk Museum (Nanjing Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum). It is located at the former residence of Gan Xi, the largest & best preserved private residence in Nanjing with over 300 rooms, providing ideal spaces for holding small exhibitions.
5. The Butterfly valley, Honghe, Yunnan is home to an impressive array of butterfly species which hosts 11 out of the 12 butterfly families found in China, with over 320 species recorded. The unique natural environment, characterized by numerous rivers & lakes, supports this incredible diversity. Billions of butterflies emerge simultaneously in a phenomenon that draws admiration from nature enthusiasts & visitors from around the globe annually (Ref. China Tourism stats).

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, & narrow mindedness - Mark Twain

(Photo: A tourist dressed in traditional Chinese clothes perform at the Nanjing Museum, Kunming night market & a Butterfly in Yunnan – Ref. Media)

(Views expressed are personal)