It’s time business dusted itself off, picked up the pieces, and pushed themselves out of the Easter attacks-induced hangover. The stupor the country found itself in in the immediate aftermath has now passed on, replaced by a languid negativity and victim mentality that hovers over much of the community. This is a moment that Sri Lanka must once again prove its resilience, by smiling through its anxieties and looking for that silver lining. The prospect of the country’s recovery and growth can only exist where its people have hope and confidence. And while political realities may not be a cause of optimism, the nation and its economic actors must push forth to create better conditions in spite of the politicians. The sluggish business environment has more than its fair share of pressures – the low consumer spending pattern may well continue until at least the end of the year. The silver lining is that tourism may recover partially by the upcoming winter season, given the successful efforts to have most travel advisories relaxed and the multi-pronged push to bring tourists back. Positive investor sentiment is the need of the hour, a point noted by Moody’s during the week when it downgraded the country’s rating to 2.6% from 3.4% before the Eater attacks. The Government, Moody’s proclaimed, remains highly vulnerable to sudden shifts in investor sentiment, given its dependence on funding sources to finance its debt obligation. If it’s reassurance we want, we must look for it in positive development such as all hotels affected by the tragedy now being back in operation and St. Anthony’s, Kochchikade being open to its congregation once again. While reports of continuing arrests and discoveries of the network of extremism and terror are certainly a source of anxiety, we must trust in the security forces who seem to be in control. It must be emphasised that a sense of security must not induce a sense of complacency – as a nation, we must remain positive, rational, sensible, and perceptive. We owe it to those who laid down their lives in vain and those left behind both injured and bereft, to get things back on track and not give in to the chaos, distrust, and uncertainty that are the very goals of ideological terrorism. It is especially important that business gets back on track given the election season looming upon us, with high chances of the political tides turning and the resultant administrative mayhem that may well ensue. In the aftermath of the Easter attacks, nothing has been clearer than the truth that our politicians are a self-serving lot, whose priority is ensuring their own political existence and the endurance of their power. That culture is not about to change. That’s why tough decisions that must be taken, especially regarding the economy, won’t be, because popularity is now more important than ever. It’s up to business to set the mood and use its sphere of influence to extend an air of positive anticipation and optimism around the nation. In the absence of political leadership, business must rise to the occasion and that can only happen if the collective private sector awakens from its hangover and marches forth, with courage and determination to overcome.