Political leadership should set aside differences in this crisis:CCC
View(s):“It is unfortunate but true that the recent events and the mishandling of security have contributed to the erosion of confidence in the political leadership to keep this country safe and to ensure that its economy which is challenged also due to external factors is further embattled due to domestic issues which are avoidable,” the CCC said in a letter to President and the Prime Minister on the country’s security situation following the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.
The chamber said it sought meetings with President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss matters relating to security concerns and national revival efforts. In response, the Prime Minister met with the leadership of the Chamber on Monday during which several action points were discussed.
Here are excerpts of the letter sent by CCC Chairperson Rajendra Theagarajah:
“The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned that the events that resulted in the senseless acts of terrorism that claimed the lives of so many people were able to be carried out due to the negligence of the Government machinery.
“While terrorist activities aimed at achieving ideological objectives can never find justification, what is deeply saddening is that there was a failure on the part of law enforcement to prevent this attack despite being in possession of intelligence that warned of impending threats. The available information points to a serious lack of coordination, incompetence and ineffectiveness in handling national security. It is also abundantly clear that petty divisive political differences among the political leadership have contributed to a situation where interests of the country are subordinated to political agendas.
“The events of October 2018 were also an indication of this sorry situation, which was fortunately corrected by an independent judiciary. On that occasion too, it was the people that suffered.
“While the immediate victims of the Easter attacks were those that lost their lives and their families, the consequences will impact millions more whose dependence on sectors that are seriously adversely affected will impair their livelihood prospects for a considerable period. This is unfortunate.
“We also condemn the utterances of elected representatives of the people and other political personalities of all parties who are continuing to engage in the blame game in an attempt to make political capital of the current situation. This is indeed a pathetic display of a lack of sensitivity to current national issues which should be addressed by all political parties collectively and in a spirit that accepts that there’s a national crisis. To engage in such narrow political pursuits is to demonstrate an inability to appreciate the true role of leaders of the people.
“The need of the moment is for statesmen not mere politicians. In these circumstances, we urge that the following be actioned:
1) National security.
While we appreciate steps taken after the Easter attacks, adequate measures should be sustained to handle national security. The National Security Council mechanism should be activated and used with seriousness.
For this purpose, the portfolios of Defence and of Law and Order should be placed in the hands of those who have the capacity to provide leadership to handle current and future challenges with foresight and wisdom and devoid of political aspirations.
The President, the Prime Minister and Government should speak with a unified voice on the current and future actions after considered decisions are taken together.
A 24 hour Media response centre should be established to respond to false reports that create fears and concerns among the general public.
The current legal provisions available (ICCPR Act) should be used to deal with hate speech.
2) Revival of the economy.
It’s vital to fast track a revival of the economy.
Formulate a national policy for the revival of the major sectors (such as tourism) that are currently affected. For this purpose, adopt an inclusive process that secures inputs from all stakeholders.
3) Decision-making in Government.
To ensure speedy and sensible decision-making in important areas, persons of competence should be appointed to key positions.
Identify key positions in Government relevant to implement the development agenda and re-examine the capabilities of current holders of those positions. It’s important that government functionaries should have the capacity to take decisions speedily and without fear. If necessary, invite private sector leaders to handle those key positions.
4) Overall revival
Take appropriate action to inspire persons of all political parties to unite in the revival processes.
This is a time to unite for the good of the country. We will condemn the actions of those who seek to stifle a resurgence for narrow political gains.
Ethnic unity should be consistently called for and extremism of all kinds should be abhorred and acted against, by the political leadership.
The elected representatives of the people should be required to comply with a code of behavior when making public comments. They’re opinion makers and must act with responsibility.
The media should be required to comply with the need for responsible reporting.
5) Effective communication and management of perceptions.
In our efforts to recover from this situation, it is vital to inspire confidence in the people of this country as well as internationally. Such an effort if effectively carried out will result in our ability to reinforce the pursuit of vital targets such as attracting investment, attracting tourists and being held out as a country that has systems and processes in place to deal with vulnerability to terrorism and the resilience to overcome such threats.”