Sri Lanka's economy relies heavily on the agriculture secure which contributes over a quarter of GDP (26% in 1981-83). GDP grew at 3.1% per annum in 1962-1972 and at 5.0% in 1972-1982.During 1983-1985 GDP grew at a rate of 5.1% approximately (morr 1986) despite advers factors such as decline in prices for major export commodities (tea,rubber and coconut), the drop in tourism and related services and the increase in defense expenditure the economy still grew at an impressive rate because of sustained expansion in the agriculture sector.