Sri Lanka’s greatest wealth is the ‘diversity seen in its people’ – Nonis

Sri Lanka is a ‘microcosm of the commonwealth, where there is enormous economic disparity.’ He stated that in order for Sri Lanka to flourish, ‘we must strive towards a knowledge driven economy and embrace the change of development,’ Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Dr Chris Nonis says.

He said this at the 18th Annual General Meeting of the MBA Alumni Association of the University of Colombo was held last week, at the Hilton Residency in Colombo. 

The keynote speech was given by Dr Chris Nonis, who previously served as the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK, from 2011 to 2014, and who was voted Diplomat of the year in the UK for the Asian Region in 2012. Dr Nonis also chaired the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Secretariat and has served on the Commonwealth foundation. 

Dr Chris Nonis commended the ‘tremendous work’ completed by the Association, praising the ‘value the MBA places on education.’ He continued to focus on the Sri Lankan economy, describing the country’s greatest wealth as ‘the diversity seen in its people; it is imperative to unite these people and to create a conducive environment where every ordinary man is empowered. Education can make a huge difference to this, with the ability to empower the ordinary people. It is this that will allow Sri Lanka to take its rightful place in the global world.’

Continuing, Nonis discussed how Sri Lanka could make the transition from a developing country to a developed one. He described ‘democracy and development as inextricably linked,’ proceeding to state that ‘technology has the power to democratize people and countries, by empowering all citizens. The speed of development is getting faster and in order to strive towards embracing this, we must be receptive to change.’ 

The Association is a growing professional body of MBA graduates, who contribute to the national education programme, striving for economic and social development.  As customary, the meeting was called to elect new office bearers, a new executive committee and to give alumni an opportunity for fellowship and networking.

By Tara Dein