The economic policy changes initiated by the government of Sri Lanka in 1977 revitalized the country's economy; during 1978-1983 real growth of gross domestic product (GDP) averaged 6 per cent a year, compared with an average annual growth of only 2.9 per cent during 1971-1977. The main sources of growth were paddy production, service and construction areas which benefited from changes in relative prices, reduction of import quotas and rapidly expanded investment.