of the international community will make such co-operation both larger in extent and more productive in effect. The positive change in the attitudes of some developed countries towards developing countries is encouraging. Sri Lanka is gradually overcoming the difficulties that hindered progress during the last few years. Stability in all sectors is being restored. It is expected that rapid export-led industries will boost economic development in Sri Lanka. Raising the quantity and productivity of both domestic and foreign investment will be a necessary part of this process. In particular, foreig~ investments bringing in capital, technology and managerial skills are of vital importance. All investments in the free trade zones are protected by provisions therefor in the J'VM/12 A/S-18/PV.lO 43 (Mr; ·Perera; Sri Lanka) Constitution of Sri 'Lanka. The role of the Government will be to facilitate rather than requlate the functioning of the economy and industrial development pro;ects. Foreiqn investment will be as rewardinQ as thev are productive and competitive. We expect that the endeavours to alleviate oondi tions of oover tv will themselves be an important contribution to the protection and improvement of the Physical environment. Povertv has been a major cause of environmental damaqe. Bv the same token, investinq in the human base of societies is a direct contribution itself to environmental soundness. In order to co-ordinate and strenqthen activities reqardinq the environment, a new portfolio of environment has been established and assiqned to a Cabinet Minister. Benefiting from our recent exPeriences, the Sri Lanka Government has taken ste'PS to address itself to the special needs and problems and the place and role of women and youth in developnent. Any marqinalization of these Qrouos in the cause of development carries qrave consequences. The entire political, socio-economic and administrative structure of the country is being restructured and adjusted in order to restore discipline and raise 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses Sri Lanka's economic development, mentioning the government's efforts to boost export-led industries, attract foreign investment, and protect the environment. The text also touches on the role of women and youth in development, suggesting that the government is restructuring its political, socio-economic, and administrative structure to ensure their inclusion.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment