Sri Lanka, May 20 -- The topic of the piece today focuses on transformation of lagging regions to a sustainable status. In this instance in Thailand. The analogy for Sri Lanka is the replicability in lagging or underserved communities given the fact Sri Lanka still comprises a large percentage of rural areas. The strategy used being over several decades in Thailand is a lesson for us.

THE DOI TUNG DEVELOPMENT PROJECT DTDP was initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra (the Princess Mother) and is operated by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage.

Established in 1988, it covers an area of 29 villages in Mae Fah Luang and Mae Sai districts, Chiang Rai Province, with a total population of 11,000 people of six ethni...