Noelnadesan's Blog

To the Minister of External Affairs,

Hon Vijitha Herath

As an expatriate, I respectfully urge you to consider three key aspects of Sri Lanka’s future development.

During the 1960–1961 recession in the United States, President John F. Kennedy utilised a Task Force network and economic advisers to formulate a broad economic policy. His strategy focused on job creation, wage and welfare improvements, and fiscal stimulus through public works projects. This approach helped revive the American economy.

After 75 years of mismanagement and nearly 30 years of upheaval, Sri Lanka now requires a comprehensive national economic plan. This strategy must encompass the entire country, particularly the war-affected Northern and Eastern Provinces. It is essential that this economic blueprint be built around local resources and regional strengths.

I am not a specialist in any particular field, but I would like to offer a few suggestions for consideration:

The Northern Sea coastal belt from Mannar to Mullaitivu has strong potential for fishing, tourism, and related industries.

Vavuniya and Kilinochchi could focus on animal husbandry, agriculture, and related food-processing industries.

The Eastern Province, with its abundant water resources, is well suited to agriculture and Agro-based industries.

All such initiatives should be developed in consultation with experts and local communities to prevent dissatisfaction and ensure long-term sustainability.

At present, the Western Province generates nearly half of Sri Lanka’s GDP, while the Northern and Eastern Provinces each contribute only about 3–4%. Over the past 75 years, poor governance and uneven development have widened this economic imbalance. Consequently, many people have migrated to the Western Province in search of employment, leading to family separation and greater regional inequality.

Balanced regional development is essential. Other provinces should receive adequate investment and support so local people can build secure livelihoods in their own regions while also contributing to national food production and economic stability.

Secondly, between 2004 and 2016, India had a dedicated Cabinet Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs. Although this portfolio was later merged into the Ministry of External Affairs under the BJP government, several Indian states still maintain dedicated diaspora divisions.

India’s diaspora numbers around 30 million people, representing approximately 2.5% of India’s population. Sri Lanka’s diaspora, however, is estimated at nearly 3 million people — around 9% of the country’s population. A significant portion of the Sri Lankan diaspora lives and works in Singapore, South Korea, the Gulf states, and the Middle East, where they are often more vulnerable to external risks such as conflict, economic instability, or natural disasters than those living in countries such as Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom.

Given the Ministry of External Affairs’ heavy responsibilities in managing state-to-state relations, we recommend establishing a dedicated ministry or specialised department for overseas Sri Lankans. Such an institution could better serve expatriates and strengthen Sri Lanka’s economic and social ties with its global diaspora.

Thirdly, I would like to highlight a potential reform in the healthcare sector.

In Australia, healthcare is universal and largely free. However, major government hospitals also offer fee-paying services to those willing to pay. This supplementary system helps ease pressure on public healthcare while generating additional revenue for the health sector.

A similar model could be introduced in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan expatriates currently travel to India for treatment in private hospitals. For example, a friend of mine wishes to visit Sri Lanka but requires regular dialysis. He is prepared to pay for the service, yet his medical condition makes him hesitant to travel because of uncertainty about access to care.

Introducing a regulated user-payment system in government hospitals for selected services could increase healthcare funding, improve facilities, and enhance services for all Sri Lankan citizens, while also encouraging expatriates to seek treatment in Sri Lanka.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Dr Noel Nadesan

Melbourne

31/05/2026