Sri Lanka poised to maintain 6 percent growth rate in 2006

Sri Lanka will be able to maintain a 6-percent economic growth by the end of this year, President's Senior Economic Advisor Ronnie De Mel was quoted by Daily News as saying Monday.

He said that Sri Lanka could expect even a higher rate by the end of the year if there are no major negative impacts from the world economy and the peace holds.

"I do not envisage an 8-percent growth soon," he said, adding " It is however my firm opinion that if Sri Lanka wishes to get out of the cycle of poverty and deprivation for almost 40 percent of people, the country must strive to achieve a growth rate of 8 percent over a minimum period of 10 years," he said.

This is not impossible if there is peace and political stability. "Right economic policies and a proper implementation method too should be in place and in ten years poverty could be reduced by 20 percent," he said.

Source: Xinhua