"Economic" manifestos of political parties
Following last week's interviews with candidates and senior officials of
various political parties on their views on the economy and business, The
Sunday Times Business today looks at the "economic" manifestos of political
parties contesting the December 5 election.
Business analysts said the manifestos should also include a section
on legal claims to ensure its contents are not a set of false promises.
"These manifestos are just like that famous Sinhala movie, 'Broken Promise'.
How does the public ensure promises are kept? "Shouldn't there be a law
to enforce this?" one analyst asked.
PA
To ensure progress and prosperity for all the people of Sri Lanka through
a people-based stable economy, which will eradicate poverty through the
empowerment of people.
An economy that empowers the people
The benefits of the open economy should reach out to enrich the lives of
the poorest sections of Sri Lankan society. The objective is to empower
the people. Empowerment would mean that an economic environment is created
whereby the people would enjoy a higher standard of living.
As a result of our policies, the per capita income has increased from
Rs. 32,404 in 1994 to Rs. 54,035 in 1998. Our aim is to increase it to
Rs. 84,000 by 2005. We intend to increase by 8 % in the next five years,
the economic growth rate of 5 % maintained during the past six years.
Management of the economy
While reducing the budget deficit to 8 % in 1999 we have formulated mid-term
plans to reduce it further to 4 % and 3 % by 2010.
While maintaining the national income at a steady level we will continue
to reduce the burden on the public through periodic revisions of the Goods
and Sales Tax.
National savings, which has risen to 23 % in the past five years from
17 %, is estimated to reach 35 % by 2002.
The financial policy of the PA government is the minimising of expenditure.
We have put in place various mechanisms to ensure transparency at all levels
of government to prevent corruption and malpractices in procurements. The
overall objective is a high standard of governance.
Poverty alleviation
The poor would receive financial assistance for income generation directly
from Samurdhi banks instead of having to look for guarantors or having
to pawn their few valuables.
Completely eradicate malnutrition of children from poor families and
make schooling compulsory for children from all poor families.
Employment
The unemployment rate has been reduced by 50 % under the PA government.
We will strive to reduce the unemployment rate to 5 % in the next two years.
Opening up 400,000 new employment opportunities in the public and private
sectors and by sourcing overseas employment. In addition several thousand
jobs would be created through the expansion of various sectors of the economy.
Agriculture
Priority to bettering the lot of farmers and to safeguard them against
possible threats to the agriculture economy from globalisation.
In addition to the provision of lands, irrigation, subsidised fertilizer
and agricultural machinery and equipment, we will expand the facilities
for the provision of technical know-how and extension services.
A special plan to be implemented to tackle the adverse effect of the
market economy and globalisation, and the projected scarcity of food the
world over by 2005, and to increase local food production.
Fisheries
A five-year plan for the sea-catch to be increased to 240,000 tonnes while
the target for inland fishery production would be increased to 100,000
tonnes.
Labour force
We have succeeded in establishing an environment conducive to the quantitative
development of the public sector and one in which the public servant can
function with dignity. We have also ensured the rights and privileges of
private sector employees.
Salaries expected to increase further when the Salaries Commission report
is implemented from January 2002 onwards.
Industry
Plans have been formulated for the development of rural industries and
small industries. We are committed to the policy of bringing to Sri Lanka,
new knowledge, technology and new industries.
IT
An IT-based management system throughout the country by 2005. Include IT
in the curriculum of universities and other educational institutions.
UNP
Special council to mould exports
The UNP-led United National Front says it plans to continue the Samurdhi
as the country's main welfare programme and set up an economic council
comprising representatives of the government, opposition and the private
sector to boost exports.
New economic future
The United National Front pledges to salvage this nation: to provide an
efficient and accountable government that has a vision and is totally free
of corruption.
On the other hand, the country is on the brink of a devastating famine.
Providing milk powder for the children and finding the three meals are
perennial problems. Ironically, the government continues to import kankun,
tomatoes, potatoes, onions, kurakkan and maize.
In the open market, a bottle of water fetches thirty rupees, while a
bottle of fresh milk is sold at only fifteen rupees. Chicken and eggs are
being imported. Thousands of families, who have earned their living through
animal husbandry, have been reduced to utter poverty. Small and medium
local industries are vying to close down. Workers are thrown out of jobs.
Tourism has suffered a deathblow. Foreign investments are stagnating. Garment
manufacturers are abandoning the country. The coconut oil industry has
been throttled by imported palm oil. Tea, coconut and rubber industries
are on the verge of collapse. Rice imports continue even during the local
harvest season. Farmers commit suicide.
Mismanagement of the power sector has plunged the country into darkness:
the nation is at the mercy of rain.
Benefits of economic development for all
We will build a system that will ensure short-term and long-term income
generation at every level.
Development plan for every poor family
The "Samurdhi Programme" will be depoliticised, strengthened and guided
forward under a 'Family Development Plan' designed for every poor family.
Plenty of job opportunities
We will immediately launch a massive development programme to create enough
jobs in the short-term, using the tried and tested economic management
capabilities of the UNP.
We will increase local production, expand export trade, enter the world
market and encourage competitive enterprises under this accelerated economic
development programme.
To succeed in this massive economic operation, we will seek the advice
of experts here and abroad. A council consisting of relevant ministers,
members of the opposition and leaders of the business community will be
formed.
Economic development, especially industrialisation and employment generation,
will not be restricted to Colombo. Instead, the country will be divided
into economic zones to promote development in every part of the country.
To promote trade, industry, tourism and agricultural projects in these
five zones, we will establish five Zonal Economic Development Commissions.
These five commissions will also attract foreign investment.
We will promote Computer and Information Technology, a dominant industry
in the 21st century, to the status of a primary factor in the economy to
generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.
We will obtain the partnership of foreign companies to set up industries
in Sri Lanka, with the aim of generating enough new job opportunities,
just as in 1977.
Private sector and public sector investment will be encouraged to provide
large-scale infrastructure facilities such as roads, buildings and water
supply schemes.
The export of industrial and agricultural products will be accelerated
by making Sri Lanka the air and naval focal point in the Indian Ocean.
Air, sea and land route systems will be expanded to minimise the time wasted
in travelling. Steps will be taken to improve the Trincomalee harbour,
to commission the Hambantota port, and to establish two international airports
in the southern and northern provinces.
At present, the low income earning, the low spending tourists arriving
in Sri Lanka are the mainstay of the tourist industry. We intend to launch
an effective programme, in association with the private sector, to attract
the high-income earning, high-spending tourists. This will increase tourist
arrivals in Sri Lanka up to one million annually.
The garment industry will be further upgraded to meet the competition
in the global market by identifying the emerging challenges and trends.
A new developmental bank will be established to provide the capital
needed by local entrepreneurs to initiate job generating enterprises in
industries, tourism and computer technology.
Communication is an essential tool for rapid development. We will extend
mobile and ordinary telephone services to each and every village. This
will enable us to mobilise our youth in the mainstream of national development.
An Economic Zone has been demarcated for us in the Indian Ocean by the
International Law of the Sea Commission. It is our intention to convert
this zone into a true economic asset.
We will generate new employment opportunities by introducing new technology
to agriculture. Farming will also be expanded through new processes such
as the green house technique, pipeline systems and improved animal husbandry.
We will find adequate markets and ensure satisfactory prices for agricultural
products, while systematically reducing the import of animal fodder and
other food that can be easily produced here.
We will revive urgently the animal husbandry sector. The quality control
process of milk, eggs and meat will be improved, along with markets and
reasonable price structures.
The export-oriented animal and fish cultivation industry will be strengthened.
The transport sector will be made more efficient and systematic through
state and private sector investments. This will also provide additional
jobs.
We will re-establish an environment conducive to the advancement of
small and medium businesses.
We will promote reforestation as well as the protection of water resources.
This will create more jobs.
The public and private sectors will work together to create an economic
system, which will absorb as many young graduates as possible.
Improving benefits of foreign employment
We will open the doors to more profitable foreign employment. We will set
up an institution to provide language and other skills and special training
essential for foreign employment. This would double the present annual
foreign exchange earning of Rs. 8000 million.
Youth development
We will introduce a Graduate Employment Assistance Programme for unemployed
graduates.
We will establish a "Youth Corps" for young men and women who are unemployed.
They will be provided a monthly living allowance of Rs. 2000 along with
training in the English language, computer and vocational skills. After
18 months, they will be given a finance voucher for further technical training
or higher education.
We will open the doors for new knowledge and information technology
for our young rural men and women. A cyber-kiosk linked to the Internet
will be established in each of the Grama Sevaka Niladhari Divisions.
Uninterrupted power supply
We will establish a National Energy Council with the help of independent
professionals and experts. This council will formulate a short-term and
long-term energy policy. The electricity supply that depends on the vagaries
of rain and drought will stop, ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted supply
of power.
We will take steps to utilise coal, natural gas, solar power and small-scale
hydropower units to generate electricity and energy in collaboration with
the state and the private sector.
JVP
Mix US and Chinese policies
The JVP says it plans to implement a mix of US and Chinese-styled economic
reforms if voted into power. Here are extracts of its economic policies
from the party manifesto:
Implement policies to achieve the highest level of economic growth in
every sector by taking a cue from other countries like:
1) Adopting the Chinese systems in the area of economic reforms which
encourage investment both locally as well as internationally in order to
achieve high development.
2) Follow US methods of eliminating waste and corruption.
3) Improving the IT sector to the highest level like in India.
4) Implementing methods developed by European countries to maintain
welfare measures for the people in accordance with sustainable development.
5) Improve science and technology to a level achieved by Japan.
6) Counter attack conspiracies, threats and difficulties without losing
our national pride, according to Cuban systems.
Ensure every citizen's rights as Sri Lankans by:
1) Recommending the writing off of farmers loans.
2) Reducing the cost of living.
3) Controlling the prices of essential goods such as rice, water, medicines,
flour, sugar, milk powder, etc.
4) The government to intervene in the event of escalating prices of
essential goods.
Workers' rules to be drafted in accordance with International Labour
Organisation's (ILO) rules:
1) To create a healthy working environment for all the workers. On top
of that the state will appoint a special committee to look into the issue
of ensuring ILO standards are followed in workplaces.
2) Outsourcing expert knowledge from experienced consultative committees
such as professional bodies like engineering firms and the Sri Lanka Association
for the Advancement of Science to create an efficient state and private
sector.
3) Appoint a select committee with the participation of all political
parties to solve short-term problems faced by local industrialists and
businessmen.
4) Introduce transparency in every government deal in order to eradicate
bribery, corruption and nepotism.
5) Broadbase and improve the quality of the national university system
in consultation with academics and university lecturers.
6) Give equal opportunities to every citizen to pursue higher studies.
7) Ban on private universities.
IT and computer science
A lot of attention will be made to help youth to train and acquire skills
in this area to find employment here and overseas.
Sihala Urumaya
Rich takes care of the poor
Extracts from the SU's manifesto on economic issues and policy:
The SU is committed to the establishment of a national economy. It is
opposed to the indiscriminate sale and alienation of wealth and assets
to foreigners, within the open economy framework.
We totally reject the Marxist prescriptions for development.
The assets and enterprises owned by the state will not be sold or alienated
to political favourites and henchmen. We shall develop the private sector
and make it an important component of the national economy taking into
consideration the following priorities:
(a) We shall give priority to domestic enterprises.
(b) We shall enhance the interests of the Sinhala business community
to enable them to survive in a highly competitive system.
(c) Create a well-formulated poverty alienation programme.
(d) The environment will be safeguarded always in development matters.
Agriculture is our birthright and heritage. Every effort would be made
to develop agriculture and to make it the backbone of the economy.
Water
We shall not allow a single drop of water to flow to the sea, without use.
We shall restore and develop all ancient reservoirs and tanks. New agriculture
and irrigation projects would be launched after obtaining the advice of
farmers. All drought-stricken areas will be given reservoir and irrigation
facilities.
Grains and rice
We shall discourage the import of rice and wheat by increasing the production
of rice and other domestic grains. We shall use the old varieties of grain
to produce superior strains. We shall implement proposals to increase the
output of superior seed paddy.
We shall not allow foreigners to patent our agricultural and plant products.
By research we shall develop rice and other grains which can be widely
cultivated here.
We shall ban the use of harmful insecticides and promote the use of
organic fertiliser. We shall establish organisations to produce the implements
we need.
The government shall actively intervene in the storage and marketing
of agricultural produce. Agricultural research will be directed towards
furthering traditional agricultural knowledge and a separate agricultural
university would be established.
The private sector would be encouraged and motivated to produce rice
and flour-based food products. We will encourage the large-scale growing
of traditional grains, yams and other crops.
Other products
Food crops rich in protein will be produced by the private sector. Vegetables
would not be imported. Fruit crops would be extensively grown and beverages
and other products would be produced.
Smallholders would be encouraged to produce plantation crops. Plantation
ownership by businesses would be discouraged. Assistance and subsidies
would be given to produce subsidiary crops.
Fisheries
We shall provide equipment to small fisherman at concessionary prices.
Fish processing industries would be promoted. Foreign fishermen would not
be allowed to operate in Sri Lankan waters. Import of canned fish products
would be discouraged. Ornamental fish culture would be encouraged.
Livestock industry
We are not self-sufficient in dairy products and only produce 1/5 of our
requirements. We will develop livestock in the coconut triangle within
the context of organised farming. Instead of powdered milk, fresh milk
consumption will be promoted.
Industry
We reject the Marxist view that industry should be developed by the state.
In the context of a national economy, our view is that both the state and
private sector should engage in industrial development.
Trade
We shall permit the import of essential food and raw material.
The wholesale trade in the hands of non-Sinhalese will be subject to
review and regulation. In this context local entrepreneurs will be given
assistance to become major exporters.
New ports in Trincomalee and Hambantota would be established.
Under the Ports Authority a new Shipping Authority would be established
and the national airline shall be renamed Air Lanka.
The co-operative sector would be re-organised so that it could operate
competitively with the private and state sectors.
Finance
SU will initiate discussions for the rescheduling of foreign debt and not
obtain conditional debt from the IMF and the World Bank. But we shall promote
and develop Sri Lanka as a major financial centre.
Local banks and insurance companies will be restructured to ensure debt
recovery is effective against notorious large-scale defaulters. The exchange
rate will be determined in the national interest.
Employment
Employment for all will be guaranteed and wages would be according to the
work performed.
We shall break the artificial barriers that exist between white-collar
workers and the working class. We will introduce a new labour culture.
All youth would be prepared to work in a trade, a vocation or agriculture.
Each month every employer shall provide shramadana for one day.
A specialised university will be set up to train people for foreign
employment with the help of the private sector. A job bank will operate
for employment in the state and private sectors and appointments will be
devoid of political influence.
Poverty alleviation
Under a "Dhana" programme, the rich will be entrusted with the task of
taking care of the poor on a voluntary basis.
Refugees and street children would be rehabilitated until their health
and living standards improve. The poorest of the poor would be given subsidies
and all assistance.
Those on the threshold of poverty would be given economic opportunities
and employment to rapidly improve their economic status. For this purpose
they would be given credit facilities and self-employment opportunities
that involve access to different means of production.
Cost of Living
Essential food and medicines would be made available at affordable prices.
Steps will be taken to curb monopolies while consumer societies would be
consulted for the purpose of determining prices.
Energy
SU will encourage the use of solar power and wind power. Garbage and waste
would be used to generate electricity while every effort would be made
to find alternate sources of energy including thermal power.
A coal power plant would be set up and mini hydro stations in the hill
country would be increased.
The loss in electricity transmission would be minimised while efficient
heaters and cookers would be introduced.
In the construction of homes, heat and energy would largely be made
available from solar sources. In agriculture consideration would be given
to animal-powered equipment, other traditional means and appropriate technology.
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Electricity Board will continue
to function as state ventures. A new electricity tariff would be introduced
but small and medium-scale industries and places of worship would be provided
with power at concessionary rates.
In the pricing of petroleum, there would be a dual tariff - one for
public use and the other for private use.
The sale of LPG would be handled by local firms. SU will make Sri Lanka
an international refuelling centre and storage facilities would be set
up in Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee.
Tamil Alliance
Extracts of economic issues in the manifesto of the Tamil alliance of four
parties contesting under the banner of the Tamil United Liberation Front
(TULF):
There is gross discrimination against Tamil youth in the field of public
sector employment.
The same practice is spreading to the private sector. Not even 3 % of
the total employment is provided to the Tamil nationality in the public
sector.
The immediate lifting of the economic embargo, currently in force in
the north and the east is necessary. |
