Ethnic crisis not affecting Lanka's economy

Bangalore, Sep 7 (UNI) The ethnic crisis has not affected the economic growth of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Tourism Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau Chairman Prema Coorey today said.

''Despite the LTTE problem, the GDP has been increasing at the rate of five per cent last year during the last three years. it was seven per cent last year'' Mr Coorey told UNI here.

''Though the ethnic crisis has affected the tourism sector, the exports of tea and garments were not affected. Tea exports are likely to touch an all time high of US one billion dollar this year.'' He said, ''the Sri Lankan government is addressing the ethnic issue by offering negotiated settlement. We are hopeful that the issue will end very soon.'' Stating that tourism was the main industry, Mr Coorey said the flow of tourists would increase if things get back to normal.

Mr Coorey, who is also the Secretary General of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, was leading a delegation to attract Indian corporate sector to hold conferences, meetings, training and incentive programmes in Sri Lanka.

UNI