Editorial

25th October 1998

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Lankan paradox

When business tycoons take their eyes off the balance sheet and focus them on war they are sending out a clear message that the war is surely sapping the resources of the country. That indeed sums up the meaning of the latest initiative by top business leaders to bring about a consensus between the feuding parties of Sri Lanka on the war, to sink their differences on spurious issues and sit down to finding a solution on how to end the war.

While the IMF, the World Bank and Central Bank may aver that despite the war we have reason to be pleased with a growth rate of 6 per cent, that despite the war everything appears to be rosy, that people are not dying of poverty and starvation and that on the other hand tourist hotels are fully booked up for the oncoming winter tourist season, the real picture is something different. We all know that. There is also the other truth that the war has soaked up the blood of innocent people in the country. In addition to the blood of soldiers dying at the battlefronts, of innocent civilians caught up in the conflict, the fact that vast amounts of money that may have been channelled towards the building and maintainance of rural hospitals and schools, a better transport system, bigger development projects and much more that could have generated prosperity and provided jobs to an ever burgeoning population have all been diverted to fighting what is incresingly appearing to be an apparently endless war.

A colossal Rs. 57,000 million (Rs. 57 billion) has been spent this year on the war and it is estimated that more will be required next year and in the years to come if things continue as they are. It is easy to see who benefits. Arms dealers have been the biggest beneficiaries, while a few generals both past and present and politicians with agendas of their own might be said to have scored some pips and gains. The war has been champagne for them and a hell for a good many others.

The NMT (National Movement Against Terrorism) has asked the business community to set off 10 per cent of their profits as a contribution to the National Defence Fund. This may seem from a businessman's point of view some of whom complaining that they are running at losses, a bit much. But the point cannot be over-looked taking into account the fact that we are in the midst of a war. Although true to definition or in terms of International Law this cannot and must not be called a civil war, it is yet a very real war threatening to dismember our island nation in two. In many ways we are today as Lebanon was a few years ago - a nation with a war ravaged economy but with night clubs operating at full swing. In Sri Lanka, the private sector is struggling along to keep the economy moving only to find itself in the same place.

While much more can be desired by way of private sector involvement in the rehabilitation process of soldiers, in treating of the wounded in war and such like, the fact that they have moved to intervene among politicians and take on the reins in an effort to solve the national crisis reflects the general feeling prevalent in the country - that the politicians have miserably failed to deliver the goods, to deliver the country from the morass in which it has floundered for over 15 years.

Many wonder whether the country's affairs are far too important to be left in the hands of politicians. No doubt they do have a point and the move by the business community is possibly a vote of no-confidence on the Government for its inability to solve the nation's problems and equally on the Opposition for its inability to oppose a Government which does not even have a steam-roller majority in Parliament and is dependent on minority parties and the powers residing in an Executive Presidential system.

The Organization of Professional Associations and various other bodies have called for a bi-partisan approach to national issues of importance. But then we have seen the unfortunate spectacle of even our old colonial masters failing to broker an agreement to ensure that the President and Leader of the Opposition talk to each other. What can be more paradoxical than this,and this, as we joyfully celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Independence.

Now, the UNP says it does not want to deal with Minister G.L. Peiris and again paradoxically he happens to be the Minister of National Integration among other things, and of all things. One can almost certainly laugh at what goes on in our country if it was not so sad. On the other hand if we did not laugh we might be crying the whole time long. That is yet another paradox. Such is the sad state of our State.

Political Column

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