Mahinda Chintana, the Political manifesto of the President has identified that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) alone does not uplift the living standards of the people and to ensure growing economic prosperity, Mahinda Chintana has envisaged to the emergence of five key economic hubs in naval, aviation, commercial, energy and knowledge, said Secretary to the President, Lalith Weeratunga, contributing to the session two on 'Wonder of Asia' in the final day of 'Defeating Terrorism - The Sri Lankan Experience' international seminar, today (June 2) in Colombo.

Even before the Humanitarian Operation was over Mahinda Chintana had taken a head start in addressing conflict related issues and post-conflict development, the Secretary said.

The victory over the LTTE terrorism was a phenomenon unanticipated by many in the international as well as local scene, he said.

Secretary to the President elaborating the Sri Lanka's economic situation during the conflict period said that the three decades preceding 2009 marked a bleak period in the social and economic history of Sri Lanka.

'It is difficult to estimate precisely the reduction in economic growth of the country over the last 30 years,' he added.

The knowledge sector has matured and progressed further than others, he said. Government is also looking forward creation of its US$ 1 billion IT-BOP industry with an increase of 100,000 to 150,000in the workforce making it a top. He also said that government policy is to ensure adequate port infrastructure facilities and services.

Mr. Weeratunga said Sri Lanka observes a sharp increase in tourists arrivals and trade volumes in 2010 as a peace dividend. In 2010 Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) handled 34,092 aircraft movements, he added.

Referring to the power and energy sector he said power sector has received one of the highest priorities in the government policies.

There is a need to encourage the private sector in economic development activities, he further stressed.

Over 14,000 million were being implemented in every Grama Niladhari Divisions of the country under the programme Gama Neguma.