By Prof. Samitha Hettige

The Peoples Republic of China’s Northeast includes three provinces namely Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning (Chinese Navy northern front named its first Aircraft carrier as “Liaoning”). This region was a powerhouse of traditional industries such as steel, automobile, aircraft manufacturing, shipbuilding and petroleum refining etc. (Ref. Chinese sources). Due to problems such as the aging population, shrinking investment and brain drain the regional growth rate declined. President Xi Jinping while visiting the region recently highlighted the need to create a pattern of development focused on the domestic economy and the international economic flows connected with China’s opening up to the world  along with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Liaoning alone indicates a growth in the number of business entities of approx. 4.58 million (9% growth from 2021) and the number of technology related SMEs reached 18,158 (34.6% growth from 2021).While industries are growing, the ageing population and the child care activities are also expanding to support social balancing in the region (Chinese sources). The PRC is implementing "Chinese-style modernization” which is an approach of balancing development and security imperatives in the Northeast.

The Sri Lankan conflict especially during 1983 – 2009 concentrated mainly on the Northeast. When the SL armed forces established control in the East prior to 2009, “Negenahira Novadaya” project was launched to develop the east. Once the war ended in 2009 Northern Province was developed under “Uthuru Vasanthaya” program. Some of those who analyze the SL conflict believe that neglecting the above provinces by the SL government was a root cause for the youth uprising which escalated into an armed conflict where the tri forces of SL had to face a similarly organized Army, Navy and an Air force though smaller in size. Many are discussing the banns and lifting of banns of certain organizations at present. At this outset, it is good to study the Chinese approach of building a moderately prosperous society.

An investor friendly culture should be promoted to all investors and especially to the Sri Lankans who left SL during the conflict. They can be encouraged to invest in the regions they grew up or have cultural bonding. Lasting peace should be maintained with proper education and surveillance to achieve sustainable development. Unnecessary suspicions will never lead SL to prosperity.

Photo - China's first aircraft carrier Liaoning named after their northern province.  

Kankesanthurei port

(The writer is an Academic and a Broadcaster. Views expressed are personal and may not necessarily be the views of his affiliations.)