By M D P DISSANAYAKE

It is time for Sri Lanka to expand its own, but neglected land resources.   Katchatheevu Island, currently positioned with a landmark of St Anthony’s Church, should be developed as an economic hub specialised in the health sector for local and international travelers seeking health services at an affordable price. 

The Changi was a neglected island near Singapore, a swampland infested with malaria mosquito and jungle, but today represents a standout economic center with its Changi International AirPort.

Katchtheevu Island should also be progressively developed with a master plan to meet the future needs of the region. 

In the current Covid 19 situation, Sri Lanka should undertake development tasks to set up an International Health Hub-Stage I, with a view of accommodating the needs, where treatments are needed in an isolated location. 

In the recent past HIV, SARS ( SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME__), EBOLA, hemorrhagic fever, and Nipah virus encephalitis and now Covid 19, wherewith the emergence of each of virus, the international health sectors and researchers take up the role of Fire Fighters.   In the future, various researchers have found the likely emergence of new viruses, both human and non-human.

In the forward planning process, looking into niche markets, Sri Lanka is in an ideal situation to develop Katchatheevu Island to non-traditional foreign exchange sources as well.