Sri Lanka is emerging from two decades of civil conflict. Over this period, and aside from the enormous human cost, the conflict has had an acutely debilitating effect on the economy. It has reduced the level of resources available for economic and social development, damaged the domestic climate for investment (especially foreign investment), and suppressed tourism. As a result, it has reduced gross domestic product (GDP) growth by about two percentage points a year, curbed expansion in productive employment, and contributed greatly to poverty and fiscal pressure. Source: ADB Country Strategy Program 2004-2008