International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF)’s Post

    What strategies for developing society in under developed countries like Sri Lanka requires considering the urgency and potential impact 9. Cultural Preservation and Promotion: While important for national identity and heritage, cultural preservation may be considered a longer-term priority compared to more immediate needs such as education and poverty alleviation.   i. Immediate Needs First: Prioritize addressing immediate societal needs such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, which directly impact the well-being and quality of life of the population. These areas should receive primary attention to uplift communities and ensure basic human rights. ii. .Long-Term Cultural Preservation: While acknowledging the importance of cultural preservation, recognize that it may be a longer-term priority compared to urgent needs. Cultural preservation efforts can be integrated into development plans gradually, ensuring that they complement and enhance broader societal goals. iii. . Balanced Approach: Strike a balance between immediate needs and cultural preservation by incorporating elements of cultural promotion into ongoing development initiatives. This can be done through educational programs, tourism promotion, and community engagement activities that celebrate and preserve cultural heritage. iv. Community Engagement: Involve local communities in cultural preservation efforts to ensure that initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with community aspirations. Empowering communities to take ownership of their cultural heritage fosters pride and strengthens cultural identity. v. Intangible Cultural Heritage: Pay special attention to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, including traditional knowledge, rituals, and oral traditions, which may be at risk of erosion due to modernization and globalization. vi.Tourism Development: Leverage cultural heritage for sustainable tourism development, which can generate economic benefits while raising awareness and appreciation for local cultures. Ensure that tourism initiatives are conducted responsibly to preserve cultural authenticity and respect local communities. viii. Global Outreach: Promote international cooperation and exchange to showcase Sri Lanka's cultural heritage on the global stage. Participate in cultural events, exhibitions, and partnerships that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. By adopting a strategic approach that prioritizes immediate needs while integrating cultural preservation into development agendas, Sri Lanka can achieve balanced and sustainable progress that benefits both its people and its rich cultural heritage. This approach ensures that cultural preservation efforts contribute to broader societal well-being and resilience, promoting a sense of identity and pride among all citizens. 10. Regional Cooperation and Diplomacy (Continue...) #culture #people #srilanka #future #generation

🌏 Exploring the Political Landscape of Maldives 🇲🇻 As we navigate the global political spectrum, let's take a closer look at the captivating political landscape of the Maldives, a tropical nation nestled in the Indian Ocean. 🏛️ Democracy in Paradise : The Maldives transitioned to a multi-party democracy in 2008, ending decades of authoritarian rule. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been a prominent player, championing democratic values and pushing for institutional reforms. 🌊 Island Nation, Climate Concerns : The Maldives' political scene is deeply intertwined with environmental issues. Rising sea levels threaten the very existence of this nation, making climate policy a top priority for leaders who advocate for global cooperation to combat climate change. 💼 Geopolitical Dynamics : The Maldives maintains strategic relationships with both Western and Asian powers. This geopolitical balancing act ensures economic growth and security partnerships, while also facing challenges in navigating regional power dynamics. 🛶 Tourism and Economy : The tourism industry is the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy. Politicians strive to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, as they seek to diversify the economy beyond tourism. 🧑⚖️ Rule of Law and Justice : Ensuring a robust legal framework while preserving traditional values is an ongoing challenge. The judiciary's independence and integrity are vital for fostering trust in the political system. 🌐 Digital Transformation : The Maldives embraces technology for governance and communication. E-governance initiatives aim to enhance transparency and citizen engagement, allowing political discourse to transcend geographical barriers. 🙋♀️ Youth Engagement : The younger generation's active participation in politics brings fresh perspectives and energies. Youth movements and platforms are shaping discussions around social justice, climate action, and progressive policies. In the midst of this diverse tapestry, the Maldives continues to evolve politically, striving for a sustainable future while preserving its unique cultural heritage. As we observe these developments, let's engage in meaningful conversations about the intricate interplay between politics, environment, and society in this mesmerizing archipelago. #maldives #GlobalDiplomacy #SustainableFuture

Cambodia: A Rising Star in Asia 🌟 Cambodia's remarkable transformation is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Ranked as the third fastest-growing economy in Asia for 2024 with a projected GDP growth rate of 6.1%, Cambodia is on a path of sustained progress and prosperity. 📈🇰🇭 The tourism sector is booming, thanks to the "Uniting for a Collective Vision" strategy. With over 2.11 million international tourists visiting in the first four months of this year, Cambodia is on track to welcome over 6.3 million visitors by year-end! 🏰🌏 Agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of the economy. Cashew exports in 2023 generated an impressive $837 million, reaching markets in Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. 🌰🌍 Cambodia is also making significant strides in rice production, ranking 10th globally. This highlights its role in ensuring food security and contributing to global markets. 🌾🌎 On the tech front, the launch of CoolApp marks a major milestone. Developed by Cambodian IT professionals, this app is set to revolutionize the digital landscape, offering secure and convenient communication features. 📱🔒 Phnom Penh's ranking as the second most expensive city in Southeast Asia reflects the growing economic stature and vibrant urban development. 🏙️💼 Cambodia's journey is marked by innovation, collective effort, and a commitment to sustainable growth. Together, the nation is building a brighter and more prosperous future. 🌟🚀 #Cambodia #EconomicGrowth #Tourism #Agriculture #Technology #SustainableDevelopment #TheBetterCambodia

☘️🌴Join the webinar of 'Elephants and Communities: Striking a Balance in Sri Lanka's Ecosystem'!

Amidst rising commercialization, eroding authentic local traditions and cuisines, let’s shift our focus this #NationalTourismDay to cultural tourism. Fostering the conversion of village homes into profitable homestays among women in the informal economy not only supports the growth of alternative livelihoods but also elevates their income. SEWA Atithi stands out as a role model in this space, that not only champions the preservation of unique local identities but also empowers women to derive tourism-driven economic benefits. On this #NationalTourismDay, let's commit to embracing #CulturalTourism! Choose experiences that respect local traditions, uplift communities and promote alternative livelihoods. #SustainableTravel #PreserveCulture #Homestays #informalwomenworkers #SEWAAtithi

Cambodia has transformed from a war-torn country to one of Asia's fastest-growing economies, positioning itself as the third fastest-growing economy in Asia for 2024. The country's economic growth is primarily driven by a resurgence in tourism and a strong manufacturing sector. The Ministry of Tourism's "Uniting for a Collective Vision" strategy aims to reposition Cambodia as a premier global destination, with international tourist arrivals reaching 2.11 million in the first four months of 2021. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Cambodia's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Cashew plantations, covering approximately 470,000 hectares across key provinces, have been particularly successful, generating $837 million in revenue from markets including Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) has identified Cambodia as one of the dominant rice producers in Southeast Asia, alongside Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Technological advancements in Cambodia include the introduction of its first chat app and social network, CoolApp, developed by Cambodian IT professionals under the leadership of Mr. Lim Cheavutha. Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, has been ranked as the second most expensive city to live in Southeast Asia by Mercer's Cost of Living City Ranking 2024. Cambodia's journey from a period of turmoil to a rising economic powerhouse is a story of resilience, innovation, and collective effort. With strong economic growth, a vibrant tourism sector, robust agricultural output, and significant technological advancements, Cambodia is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global economy. To read more, visit- https://lnkd.in/gHTF__bG #CambodiaGrowth #TourismResurgence #AgriculturalEconomy #TechAdvancement #GlobalEconomyPlayer #TheBetterCambodia #Cambodia

Nepal hosted the country’s first international LGBTIQ tourism conference last week. Whether or not Nepal can pull in big investments, it can certainly welcome more queer tourists and make big bucks. The estimate shows, the global spending capacity of the queer segment is around $4.7 trillion. Nepal is increasingly seen as a safe travel destination for LGBTIQ people. This image has only been boosted by the successful marriage registration of Surendra Pandey and Maya Gurung, the first same-sex couple to be legally recognised in Nepal, in November 2023. https://lnkd.in/dJyqHZ3z #investingLGBTIQtourism# #Economy# #AlternativeInvestmentOpportunities# #tourism#

Ngoma District envisages a prosperous future based on business-oriented agriculture and tourism. This vision was developed through a comprehensive SWOT analysis that considered all sectors within the district. In accordance with this vision, the district settlements are classified into three categories: the main urban core - Ngoma District Town, backed up by two strategically positioned rurban centers, Rukira and Sakes. These urban nodes are designed to accommodate 70% of the district's population, while in-depth planning allocates the remaining 30% to 58 rural settlement sites by 2050. In terms of agriculture, Ngoma benefits from a number of advantages, including favourable topography fertility soil and favourable microclimates, which optimise agricultural growth. In terms of tourism, Ngoma stands out for the presence of three beautiful lakes in west, attracting potential investors keen to explore the huge touristic potential. Furthermore, the district has unique rock formations, in particular the captivating junction in east that offers a breathtaking view of NASHO in Kirehe, making Ngoma an attractive destination for visitors. Ngoma District is further supported by its exceptional connectivity. A vibrant road network, including an expressway linking the dynamic border of Rusumo with the vibrant hub of Kigali, ensures the seamless movement of people and goods. Alongside this important link, a national ring road makes good strategic connections from the town of Ngoma, through the central hub of Sake, to Bugesera in south. This extensive road system serves as a key lifeline, promoting efficient transport and trade within and outside the district. These well-structured road connections are also key access points that integrate Ngoma district firmly into the wider landscape of the region. They facilitate the movement of goods and services, improving the district economic prospects and enhancing its attractiveness to investors and businesses. As a result, Ngoma district is emerging not only as a land of opportunity, but also as a dynamic, interconnected centre for country's sustainable growth. #planning #nludmp2050 #dlup #nla

I recently attended a SLASSCOM (Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies) meeting on ESG where it spoke about the importance of environmental sustainability. Thank you Jehan Perinpanayagam & Chamindā D. for organising it at a time when the whole world is demanding companies everywhere to be ESG aware. Indirectly related is the photo below. It was taken last weekend by a European, whom I took to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura (founded in ~437 BC) - One of the Eight UNESCO heritage sites in Sri Lanka (Out of 1157 UNESCO world heritage sites globally). This 1500 + years old dual swimming pool complex named Twin Ponds (Or "Kuttam Pokuna" as we Sri Lankans know) is a part of ancient urban planning. Rainwater collected in a reservoir 3 km away was transported through underground ducts to the ponds which feature silt traps & and filtration systems. Water drained via bottom drains were used to water nearby rice fields. Seeing the plastic litter on the bottom left corner of the image left me wondering how ESG-aware, the society was in 5th century Sri Lanka compared to nowadays! #esg #changeyourmindset #environment #sustainability #srilanka #wecandobetter