{"id":157637,"date":"2026-08-03T13:07:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T20:07:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=157637"},"modified":"2026-08-03T13:07:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T20:07:04","slug":"sri-lanka-2040-a-nation-that-builds-manufactures-and-leads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2026\/08\/03\/sri-lanka-2040-a-nation-that-builds-manufactures-and-leads\/","title":{"rendered":"Sri Lanka 2040 \u2013 A Nation That Builds, Manufactures and Leads\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

My presidential manifesto\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n

Or simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Engineering Manifesto for a New Sri Lanka\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To transform Sri Lanka from a consumption-based economy into the industrial and maritime hub of the Indian Ocean through technology, engineering, education, discipline, and productive investment.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Pillar 1 \u2013 Industrial Renaissance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Make industrialisation the highest national priority.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Establish heavy engineering parks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Develop shipbuilding, offshore engineering, steel fabrication and precision manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Encourage local manufacturing instead of unnecessary imports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Double industrial exports within ten years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    Pillar 2 \u2013 Trincomalee: The Economic Capital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    One of the flagship promises could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Trincomalee will become the Singapore of the Indian Ocean.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Develop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Offshore engineering complex<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • FPSO conversion facilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Rig repair<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Ship repair<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Marine logistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • LNG and natural gas industries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Renewable energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Blue economy industries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • International maritime universities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      This has been one of your strongest recurring proposals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Pillar 3 \u2013 Blue Economy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Expand beyond fisheries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Include<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Offshore oil and gas support<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Deep sea engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Marinas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cruise industry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ocean research<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Aquaculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Seaweed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Marine biotechnology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ocean renewable energy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n\n\n

        Pillar 4 \u2013 Vocational Revolution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        One of your strongest policy areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Promise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Every school leaver should have an opportunity to gain an internationally recognised technical qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Expand training in<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Welding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Pipe fitting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • CNC machining<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Robotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • AI-assisted manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Offshore engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Marine engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • QA\/QC<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • NDT<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Industrial safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Create thousands of internationally employable technicians rather than unemployed graduates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          Pillar 5 \u2013 Women\u2019s Industrial Empowerment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Move beyond traditional vocational training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Train women in<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Welding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Electrical work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Mechanical engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • QA\/QC<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • CAD<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Robotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • AI<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Offshore inspection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Industrial management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            \n\n\n\n

            Pillar 6 \u2013 National Infrastructure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Modernise<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Ports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Railways<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Waterways<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Canals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Airports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Energy systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Digital infrastructure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Focus on execution rather than announcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              Pillar 7 \u2013 Foreign Investment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Adopt a pragmatic policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Welcome investment from<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • India<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Japan<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • UAE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Qatar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Oman<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Saudi Arabia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Norway<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • South Korea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Singapore<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Vietnam<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • China<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Europe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Evaluate projects on national benefit while protecting Sri Lanka\u2019s strategic autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n\n\n\n

                Pillar 8 \u2013 Justice and Governance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                Your articles frequently argue that government needs the ability to implement long-term reforms efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                A democratic manifesto could frame this as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Faster justice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Merit-based appointments<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Reduced political interference<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Strong anti-corruption measures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Professional public administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Clear accountability for public officials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Stable policy environment for investment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  This emphasises effective governance while remaining consistent with constitutional democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n\n\n\n

                  Pillar 9 \u2013 Education Reform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Replace rote learning with<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Innovation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Entrepreneurship<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Artificial Intelligence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Robotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Maritime studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Digital technologies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Every university to work closely with industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n\n\n\n

                    Pillar 10 \u2013 Energy Security<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Develop<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Mannar natural gas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • LNG<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Solar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Wind<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Green hydrogen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Offshore renewables<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Reduce dependence on imported fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n\n\n\n

                      Pillar 11 \u2013 Agriculture as an Industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      Modernise farming through<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Mechanisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Precision agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Food processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Export-oriented production<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Cold chain logistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \n\n\n\n

                        Pillar 12 \u2013 Clean Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        National programmes for<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Waste management<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Canal rehabilitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Flood control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Water recycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Coastal protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Sustainable urban development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                          \n\n\n\n

                          Pillar 13 \u2013 Digital Government<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Every government service to be available online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Use AI to improve<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Licensing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Customs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Taxation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Healthcare<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Agriculture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Public administration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                            \n\n\n\n

                            Pillar 14 \u2013 National Character<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            One theme that appears repeatedly in your writing is that development depends not only on policies but also on national attitudes. A manifesto could therefore promote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Discipline<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Respect for law<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Merit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Professionalism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Civic responsibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • National unity across communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Pride in productive work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                              \n\n\n\n

                              A Possible Presidential Pledge<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                              I do not promise a richer Sri Lanka through borrowing. I promise a richer Sri Lanka through building. We will manufacture more than we import. We will export more than we consume. We will train our youth for the industries of tomorrow. We will transform Trincomalee into the maritime and offshore hub of the Indian Ocean. We will create a nation that is respected not for its speeches, but for its ships, factories, engineers, and skilled people. My vision is simple: a Sri Lanka that executes, innovates, and prospers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              This would give your campaign a distinctive identity. Rather than competing on short-term welfare promises, it would present a long-term national development agenda rooted in engineering, industrialisation, vocational excellence, maritime strategy, productive foreign investment, and execution-oriented governance\u2014the themes that consistently run through your LankaWeb articles and broader body of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Regards

                              Dr Sarath Obeysekera<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              My presidential manifesto\u00a0 Or simply: The Engineering Manifesto for a New Sri Lanka\u201d Vision To transform Sri Lanka from a consumption-based economy into the industrial and maritime hub of the Indian Ocean through technology, engineering, education, discipline, and productive investment.\u201d Pillar 1 \u2013 Industrial Renaissance Pillar 2 \u2013 Trincomalee: The Economic Capital One of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-157637","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-dr-sarath-obeysekera"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157637","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=157637"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157637\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":157638,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/157637\/revisions\/157638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=157637"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=157637"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=157637"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}