Sunday Times 2
Measures the next president and government should take
Election fever has reached all strata of society, with promises and more promises made by all. However, one may not realise the deep implications affecting lives of everyone. One thing is certain; the political culture of Sri Lanka has been eroded to such an extent, now the word ‘honorable’ may not be suitable for most in Parliament. The scenario today is different from what it was when my father was a parliamentarian.
A government is by the people for the people, elected with the trust of making individuals and country’s situation better. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. At least now, I hope, the next government will take note of the responsibilities of a good government and take the following measures to have a long term, positive impact on the lives of all of its citizens.
Equal rights for all regardless of race, religion or social standing
n Ensure equal rights for all regardless of race, religion or social standing: The current environment of political gain by selling religion and race needs to change to where one does not have to be ‘connected’ to get justice, or live in fear if not. True, Sri Lanka is a Sinhala Buddhist country, but we need to remember that minorities also have a right to practise their religions, and live freely, as this country is as much theirs as well. The foundations of Buddhism seem to have been forgotten for political gain.
n High cost of living: It affects all people, especially the poor. We are depending heavily on import tax revenue to run the country. The Rs. 25 billion daily target for Customs is derived from the “kiri hodi tax” to cooking oil, sugar, essential food, liquor, cigarettes, motorcycles, three-wheelers, and everything else. On average, according to World Bank figures a few years back, the Government takes back Rs. 68 for every Rs. 100 spent in this country. Everything from your mobile call to petrol, diesel, and any other goods and services, people pay almost 70 per cent of their spending towards maintaining the government expenditure.
n Spend the people’s money wisely: This is public money! The current list of ministries and state institutions are an insult to our intelligence, as many of them lack focus and purpose. Often the same task is duplicated by many institutions at the cost of public money.
n Provide relief to Investors of recent financial scams: Owners of CIFL, Sakvithi, Touchwood, Ceylinco related companies have made millions and sent the money out of the country at the cost of the poor investor. The Government should trace and bring back the money to provide relief. Any Central Bank officials found to be colluding with these types of scams should be penalised.
n Poverty: Are you saving more than you did 5, 10 or 20 years ago? Or are you just managing to survive? Personal investment is only possible with savings, and savings are only possible with a manageable cost of living. The new government must make sure that the poorest of the poor are able to buy basic food at affordable prices at all times – no just at the time of elections.
n Equal rights to prosper: The people should have the freedom to gain the best in life. Equal opportunities should be given, not based on political patronage or connections. This is why most educated and professional citizens choose to migrate.
n Government is a facilitator and monitor for private enterprises: No government can successfully run businesses. Just look at how many times Lanka Sathosa under its different names given by different governments has gone bankrupt. There again, it is public money that is wasted due to corruption and mismanagement. Accountability for public funds should be a priority.
n Think globally: Face the fact that Sri Lanka is a small country. None of our trading partners will be affected if we stop exporting our goods and services. A cordial relationship with countries which are our key export markets will help businesses perform better. Industries and the service sector should be promoted, generating employment at all levels.
n Let the private sector live, breathe and grow: Almost all large corporations or private companies try hard to please the government to ensure their survival. SMEs form the back bone of a country’s economy, and they should be provided with a secure, long term vision to prosper. A prosperous private sector is a great asset to a country.
n Investor relations: Laws must be transparent and just to protect the investors. It is not acceptable to have “exemptions granted” breaking the country’s own laws. Foreign investors have had this issue over land ownership. Many accusations are levelled at the BOI and other authorities for delaying or rejecting projects unless “palms are greased”. Action must be taken to rectify as this affects the county’s reputation. Investors do not need Sri Lanka; they have many other emerging markets such as Myanmar, Bangladesh or Eastern Europe. Sri Lanka needs investors to boost exports, create jobs and grow the domestic economy.
n Corruption: It is naïve to think that any country is corruption free. Corruption should not be tolerated at any level. Corruption is a crime, and not be taken as a part of life. There should be two anti-corruption bodies, one for low-level public servants and politicians, and another one to handle high-profile corruption allegations.
n Bring in the money! War was won at a great cost in lives, and no doubt the terrorism scourge was the biggest threat and the fear that everyone lived under. Now where are the assets of the LTTE, which had been described as one of largest profitable organisation in the world? They had a large shipping fleet, and several other foreign assets. Surely, the government would have taken measures to bring in these assets to the country? Same should be done for any politician’s assets. Failing to do so is just a clear sign to say “make what you can, nothing will ever happen to you” and this is a huge attraction for people to get into politics with the wrong intentions.
n The next government must take responsibility to hand over the country in a better state than when taking over, its real economy (not with spending figures) in a stronger position, and its people in a happier, safer and more contended state.
n In short, the next President and government should remember they are custodians and not owners of the country.