Proper governance lacking in the country
View(s):Suresh Shah, said proper governance has been lacking in the past and the country needs to utilize rectify this situation quickly.
Responding to a comment made by Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, that more Sri Lankans need to invest in the country than expecting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), he said that investments by the private sector and other conglomerates in Colombo is enough for the economy of the country. FDIs play a big role in bringing cash funds for infrastructure, in supporting strong export market and for technology transfer, he noted.
Mr. Shah said that unemployment among the youth is higher at around 19-20 per cent and unemployment in general needs to be brought to 4-4.5 per cent. Around 30 per cent of the local population is engaged in agriculture out of which only 10 per cent contributes to the GDP. He said that there will be segmented societies arising in the country if these issues are not raised by the new government.
Rev. Prof. W. Wimalaratana Thero said that with the support of all participants in the political arena the government should prepare a common background a sustainable future. When looking at the distant future, all sectors needs to be considered without being biased only to a particular sector, he added.
Dr. Ariyaratne noted that it is important to create opportunities for young people. “We have a well-educated young population in the country, but unfortunately they are leaving the country due to the lack of facilities available. This needs to be stopped immediately,” noted Dr. Ariyaratne. Looking back five years down the line, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce had created advisory panels and very innovative models to suit the needs of the civil society, added Dr. Ariyaratne.
Mr. Shah said that getting the changes into place in the post-election period is going to be a big challenge whether it’s been implemented within 100 or 180 days. It is also not sure whether the new government will look into all issues of corruption in the past.
Dr. Ariyaratne said, “Prioritise the actions against corruption. Immediately stop further corruptions. Robbing money from the public should stop immediately. The government doesn’t have to wait for long to implement this. Past wrongdoers need to be dealt swiftly. A mechanism has to be put immediately to probe these irregular actions based on evidence. They have to be accountable. The qualifications of elected officials need to be enhanced.”
Adding to that Mr. Shah said, “Implement the17th amendment. Certain clauses need to be identified properly.”