SJB opposes selling of strategically important SoEs but wants an end to monopoly : Eran

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne assured that the main opposition was ready with a plan and strategies to implement projects for the wellbeing of the people no sooner it comes to office after elections due shortly.”  People of this country are eagerly awaiting to oust this government which has no mandate or even proper plan to implement for the country,” 

Speaking at a media conference held at the office of the Leader of Opposition on Sunday, he said that SJB opposes the sale or privatization of the strategically important SoEs such as CEB and Petroleum Corporation but insists that the monopoly now enjoyed by such SoEs be brought to an end with private sector participation on a competitive market system. 

“The reason for it is, so far attention was paid to make sure the employees’ interests but no government paid attention to consumer interests. People do complain that even if there is a surplus of employees in government institutions, they cannot get a service done without paying bribes. We cannot simply reject these allegations as there is no smoke without fire. Most of the SoE s are inefficient and loss-making,” MP Wickramarathne said, stressing that the government commenced the process of restructuring them.

“SJB is for restructuring of SoE. But what is the philosophy for it? If a State organization is involved in manufacturing goods and services priority should be given to providing quality goods with an efficient and competitive atmosphere to the consumers. The second priority is to protect the rights of employees. Restructuring  should be made under a transparent process.” Revealed Wikramaratne articulating the SJP policy on SOE restructuring.

He also mentioned that amongst several Expressways that were constructed in the country except one all other projects have been awarded without following the proper procurement process of the competitive bidding process to known persons or companies. Under this context, the people of this country have a suspicion of the actions of this government as it has handled major development projects not for the country but for kickbacks.

In the recent past, the present government has had a discussion with a US firm to bring in investment in the energy sector. But it appeared to be a mysterious deal as no transparency was seen in the transaction.

When we take Sri Lankan Airlines, its losses run to more than Rs 400 billion. People of this country maintain this loss-making airline with their direct and indirect tax money. Sri Lankan Airlines under its wing, only two other sectors that are making a profit, the MP said. “ Now plans are afoot to privatize those two profit-making organizations namely ground handling and SriLankan catering services leaving behind the airline to make a further making loss,” 

In 2019 a report was prepared as to how Sri Lankan Airlines should be restructured. President’s expert committee on restructuring Sri Lankan Airlines headed by Eran Wickramaratne included Dr Harsha de Silva and the present CBSL Governor Dr. Nadalal Weerasinghe and a few others, recommended that the two other entities that are making profits be made a joint corporate body of the SriLankan Airline in order to minimize the losses incurred by the Airline. But, the MP said that SJB opposes any effort on the part of this government to split the organization into three and sell off the two profit-making institutions separately, making Sri Lankan Airlines incur further losses.

Referring to a recent speech of the President in Parliament, he said that President implied that if the stock market is to be closed, it could be liquidated. "The Country’s Head of State should not make such a statement even for humor. After the statement of the President, Nestlé has decided to withdraw from the stock market after 40 years of investment,"