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100-day programme a mixed bag
View(s):As the Government’s 100-Day programme draws to an end, before an impending dissolution of Parliament, political parties, trade unions, student leaders and public have voiced mixed reactions over its implementation.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this week defended the programme, saying the Government has looked beyond the 100-Day programme promises, while some of them were being implemented.
However, Opposition political parties say that, despite Government claims, some of the promises including the purchase of paddy at the guaranteed price of Rs 50 a kg, concessions to those who have pawned their jewellery, a code of ethics for MPs and a National Audit Bill among others have yet to see the light of day.
Mr Wickremesinghe pointed out that, in keeping with the 100-Day programme, a series of relief measures were introduced to the public, such as increase in public sector salaries, interim allowance of Rs 3,500 for pensioners, reduction of fuel prices, tax exemption on phone reload charges, introduction of the National Drugs policy and higher prices for agriculture products.
But, more importantly, he said the ‘freedom’ to the people was being witnessed all over.
“When we read a newspaper we feel that freedom. During the past regime, you open a paper and you find pages with Rajapaksa’s advertisements. We could not find a paper without Rajapaksa’s advertisement. On the roadside we used to see cutouts of Rajapaksa. Today we do not see such cutouts,” Mr Wickremesinghe told Parliament.
“Today we have the freedom to criticise the Government. Even the President, Cabinet and myself can be criticised. We do not tap telephone conversations or spy on people. We do not have files on ministers and get them to act according to our will by showing them the files,” he said.
He said, in addition, the Government has been able to grant justice to former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.
The Government’s 100-Day programme came into effect with the swearing-in of President Maithripala Sirisena.
One of its first promises was that Cabinet will be restricted to 25, but with the inclusion of several more members from the Opposition in the Cabinet it has risen to 38.
The process to abolish the authoritarian Executive Presidential system got off, and culminated with the 19th Amendment being presented to Parliament. However, in view of the Supreme Court ruling that certain provisions need to be submitted to a referendum, the proposal cannot be fully implemented.
The restoration of the Independent Commissions also is part of the 19th Amendment, but it was not clear whether the Amendment will be carried through in Parliament when it is presented again on April 20.
A proposal to set up an All Party Committee to replace the present Preferential Vote System was also in the 100-Day programme. Discussions between the Commissioner of Elections and political parties has led to four proposals being considered.
The Vote on Accounts presented in Parliament on Jan.29 was another highlight of the 100-Day programme. While some of the promises of the interim Budget have been implemented, others remain pending.
The assurance to probe allegations of massive corruption during the previous regime has received high priority, with the newly established Financial Crimes Investigations Unit probing several of these cases.
The proposal to introduce the Right to Information Bill has also been discussed, with progress made towards the introduction of the Bill.However, the deadline of March 20 to pass this Bill has passed. Similarly the deadline to pass the National Audit Bill too has passed.
The Government planned to set up the Constitutional Council to facilitate the functioning of the Independent Commissions. The process is still ongoing, as it is connected with the passing of the 19th Amendment.
One of the key promises of the Government is to dissolve Parliament on April 23 and hold free and fair elections under a caretaker government.
However, the focus still remains on the passing of the 19th Amendment and the proposed electoral reforms.