The government’s performance this year was the key in this week’s year-end poll conducted jointly by the Business Times and Research Consultancy Bureau.
Results of the poll are on Page 1. Here are comments that were made by respondents during the poll:
From email respondents:
There has been high growth but one wonders from where this growth is coming from. Even if the high growth figures were correct it would not make much of an impact on the lives of the people as some of it comes from unproductive excess employment in the public sector
The economy grew and has the potential to grow at a higher and more sustainable pace.
In early 2012, the (stock) market will be weak. The rupee is likely to be floated around February and March. The earlier it is floated the better for the economy/stock market to recover. Otherwise interest rates will continue to go up and a banking crisis could also develop, which would be unfortunate.
The investment climate is unlikely to improve as the policy-makers don’t seem to be desirous of making any reforms. Sri Lanka's main export markets in the West will take several years to recover from recession. In this context foreign investments in the stock market may not increase substantially.
The crisis in the UNP will continue as Ranil Wickremasinghe, who cannot attract rural votes and is absolutely poor at human relations management), steps down.
In a worst case scenario, the economic rights and freedoms of citizens would be violated in a more efficient fashion now that the focus is shifting to the economy. We have seen how property rights have been violated. The budget was also more interventionist with infant industry clauses oppressing large populations and the political - protectionist businessmen nexus getting stronger.
Inflation could come down to below 10 % if the exchange rate issue is resolved.
Inflation will fall only if fiscal and monetary discipline is exercised (especially to reduce corruption and waste) and indirect taxes are levied on imports.
The government’s performance has been very poor on most fronts except in the infrastructure sector- even there corruption is high, resulting in poor quality work and repeat expenditure.
Street poll comments:
Tourism has rapidly developed in the past 18 months but now politicians are destroying it with a foreigner being killed in a cold blooded manner.
While developing the country, politicians are pocketing money without thinking of the future.
The ideas and plans of the President are good. But he should be thinking more seriously about those who carry them out and how they are carried out.
The government must make an effort to make this development a lasting one. People are mindful of the development.
We should stop unwanted influence, thuggery and create a conducive atmosphere for life to prevail.
There were many developments in 2011. But instead of protecting and building on these we have deviated and gone the wrong way on many occasions.
Ranil is driving the UNP leadership in a negative way. As long as he is around, the leadership problem will remain.
The President stopped the war and put this country forward for massive development. There will be no other government as long as he is around.
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