Spanish word ‘Flamencos’ is used to indicate ‘Gypsy like’ personalities but the commonly used word for “Gypsy” in Spanish is ‘Gitano’. It is altered like the English word ‘Gypsy’ from the word ‘Egyptian’ meaning a native or inhabitant of Egypt (Ref.Webster).

Egyptian President Abdel Sisi secured a 3^rd term as the head of Middle East’s most populous nation at the Presidential election held in December 2023. He is a leader with a military background & has ruled the country since 2013. During his rule Egypt experienced historic moves as a partner of China’s Belt & Road Initiative launched in 2013 (BRI – China’s International trade network).

Most notable is the Al Qāhirah muḥāfaẓah (governorate) or the new administrative capital (NAC) constructed with support from China. It is expected to ease the situation (including air pollution) in Cairo. It will help Egypt reap more benefits from the increasing world trade (passing the Suez Canal) due to the BRI. NAC launched by President Sisi in 2015 is approx. 45 KM from Cairo & 60 km from the Suez. It includes a; new presidential palace, new parliament, space for diplomatic missions, & buildings for state administrations etc. The ‘Green River’ park which will snake through the city is more than twice the size of Central Park in New York. The 400M Iconic Tower will be one of the tallest buildings in the Middle East. Egypt Grand Mosque & the Cathedral will be among the largest in the continent. The Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ will also be located in the NAC. Proposed HQ of Egypt’s defense ministry will be named ‘Octagon’ & will be equal in size to the ‘Pentagon’ in USA. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is operational since July 2022 connecting Cairo with the NAC (Ref. Media).

‘Avalokiteshvara’

Sri Lankans had an unprecedented exposure to an ‘Avalokiteshvara’ story with a touch of Egypt recently. Bodhisattva ‘Avalokiteshvara’ is known in China as ‘Guanyin’. He is a symbol of compassion & became the most important deity in Buddhism (approx 6^th century AD). The famous figure in the relaxed posture with a raised leg is believed to be seated in his paradise known as ‘Potalaka’ in India. This paradise has moved to a new location in the east coast of Zhejiang, China (Ref. Chinese sources). After the recent developments, some Sri Lankans may assume that they found the lost paradise. Some believe that the objective is to divert spot lights from pressing issues & expect many more as 2024 is an election year.

The population should learn from BRI partners like Egypt to stabilize the economy. SL got infrastructure from the BRI & it’s time to expedite using them. Immediate steps should be taken to rectify the legal disagreements on attracting investors to the Port City etc. The base document drafted by the late Lalith Athulathmudali to establish the Greater Colombo Economic Commission can be a tested tool to be used as a base. China before opening its economy in 1979 studied same with Minister Lalith A. Sri Lankans should expedite learning on how other countries with similar cultural roots became economically stable. If not they will be ‘lost flamencos’.

Photo: Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara known in Chinese as Guanyin.