It was he who had spoken up more during the past on Sri Lanka’s exports dropping from 35 per cent to 15 percent as against the island’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that by exploiting his Deputy Foreign Ministerial post he is prepared to lend his shoulder to Sri Lanka’ economic development and prosperity, said Dr. Harsha de Silva.

He said this while assuming office as the Deputy Minister of External Affairs.

Dr. de Silva added that though most had expected him to get a portfolio related to economic issues since he speaks on this subject, now he is happy that he has been entrusted with something beyond that.

The time has dawned to divert Sri Lanka’s foreign policy which had been directed only towards peace to be now directed to gain prosperity to the country. He will commit himself towards this, said the Deputy Minister.

Harsha de Silva said that he being well versed in economics, the experience gained by being the Deputy Minister of External Affairs would stand him in good stead in his political future.