Dawn of a new era: Where are the
opportunities and what are the challenges?

Stakeholders and policy makers meet at the 9th Sri Lanka Economic Summit to discuss issues looming in the post-war era

By Nizla Naizer

The 9th Economic Summit organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce concluded at the Cinnamon Grand last week with stakeholders of Sri Lanka’s future under the consensus that the country has been given a non-recurrent opportunity to grow exponentially but several challenges lay across the way.
The Two and a half day summit brought members of the private sector, public sector and policy makers in the Government to discuss the theme, ‘The Dawning of a New Era- Opportunities and Challenges’.
Speaking at the inauguration of the summit, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said, “Terrorism’s hold on the country is no more and the Government is now free to devote its attention to the development of the country. We are one country, one people and must work as one team to restore our motherland to its full potential.” That was the sentiment echoed my many of the eminent panelists and officials at the summit as a sense of enthusiasm for the future was evident among all those who participated.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) President Jayampathi Bandaranayake explained that the Sri Lanka Economic Summit which is the country’s equivalent to the Davos World Economic Forum is the ideal platform to create and discuss new policies and the way forward in this vital juncture. “The CCC with its 525 members along with 20 business councils and 41 trade associations has always maintained close ties with traditional partners such as the US and UK, and we were taken aback by the criticism of the country in the last stages of the war,” he said at the inauguration, “as the business community we consider the condemnation disproportionate, unjust and inaccurate.”
He stated that with the dawn of peace, nation building is the next big challenge for the country. “We look forward to the announcement of a cohesive well thought of strategy from the Government to settle the IDPs and we see new vistas of opportunity in the future,” he concluded.
The Bottom Line takes a look at the issues discussed at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit.

Surviving the downturn and venturing into a new era

From left LIRNEasia Lead Economist Dr. Harsha De Silva, Watawala Plantations Managing Director Vish Govindswamy, Institute of Policy Studies, Executive Director, Dr. Saman Kelegama, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Moderator Savithri Rodrigo, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Samaratunga, Singer CEO Hemaka Amarasuriya and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Vice Chairman Dr. Anura Ekanayake

* Minister says time to ‘get real’
* Economists call for 10% growth target
* Simplified taxation system required
“Get Real,” was the emphatic message delivered by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Sarath Amunugama who said that the private sector and public sector must both realise that growth is the way forward. “We are not India or China and the challenges we face in this conflicting economic climate are quite varied. While the global credit crunch led to many of our investors backing out, peace which has come to our country at great cost is opening up new opportunities.”
However, for those opportunities to be turned into fruition, drastic changes are necessary. The Minister said that while the IMF loan, which was requested only on a standby basis is not essential to keep the economy going, more international investment in the form of FDIs must be encouraged. “In Sri Lanka it is difficult to generate the quantum of investment we need purely by domestic savings.”
He also stated that it is time to maximise on the investments made by the state in social welfare, education and health through the years. “Our education system creates graduates who are unemployable, our social welfare do not protect those who need protection. These are sacred cows that give no milk.”
Instead of more taxes from the people, the Minister concluded that it was time to ask for more performance and also that it was the time for a complete reform of the education sector, a sentiment that was echoed in many of the panels during the summit.
He also commented that it is time to make the public sector enterprises more accountable and financially conscious by introducing a minimum contribution by each corporation or repercussions such as firing the Chairman or privatising the corporation implemented if not. “It’s time to trim the fat and make these institutes more profitable.”
The country must not consider any growth rate below 10%, LIRNEasia Lead Economist Harsha De Silva stated adding that the country needs major changes in order to make it happen. “The Business Confidence Index has surged, people’s expectations are high and unfortunately we are still stuck in ‘ideologies’,” he said.
“International investors are calling Sri Lanka the Cinderella Story, but where is the magic?” he asked, “The reality is that while private credit increased only by 1% last year, Government credit rose by 96%.”
Speaking on behalf of the businessmen, CCC Vice Chairman Anura Ekanayake however said that one of the main issues faced by businesses in the country is the ease of doing business in the country which was in a low level. “We essentially need a bureaucracy and policy framework that would facilitate business in Sri Lanka. We need to change the mindset of people to assist and not deter businessmen. Also, there is difficulty is obtaining finance. If we get the regulatory framework huge changes can be realised there.”
Echoing this sentiment, Singer CEO Hemaka Amarasuriya said that a ‘level playing field’ is required to stimulate the economy. “The Government’s views and their role must be clearly communicated to the private sector.”
Asking to the Government to make adjustments to a crisis that they had no part in manifesting makes no sense, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Samaratunga said referring to the global economic downturn. He added that the peaceful environment at present can offset that by bringing in more investment but that the Government must take steps to simplify and reform the country’s outdated taxation system in order to attract and retain them.
Institute of Policy Studies, Executive Director, Dr. Saman Kelegama added that on a Central Government level there are 25 taxes in operation with a further 20 in the provincial level. “In developed countries there are 5-8 taxes in operation and ad hoc policies made in Sri Lanka have led to this situation. We need to streamline the system.”

Financial crisis – Challenges for the banking and financial sector

From left Amana Investments Managing Director Faizal Salieh, John Keells Holdings Group Financial Director Ronnie Pieris, Central Bank Governor, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Moderator Savithri Rodrigo, Hatton National Bank CEO Rajendra Thiagarajah, HSBC CEO Nick A. Nicolaou and Asian Development Bank Country Director Richard Vokes.

* Proactive steps from Govt saved SL economy
* Call for more support from Private sector
* Banks face high costs – future for consolidation?
Timely and proactive steps taken by the Government negated the effects of the global economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal stated. With inflation dipping down to 1% after an average of 23% last year, the Governor explained that it is a fine balancing act between variables to keep the economy stable and regulated.
“Due to our policies the Government were able to meet the food crisis last year in a way that many in the country didn’t even realise a crisis had hit, Government debt which was at a level of 105% of GDP five years ago is 86% now,” he stated, “The importance of stability is felt only when there is instability and you are reaping the benefits of proper planning and investment.”
While the Sri Lankan economy is now predicted to experience a growth of 3.5% - 4.5% this year, he said that the predictability of an economy is vital. “Some missed the point,” the Governor pointed out, “For example the S&P’s country credit rating was downgraded to negative, while the IMF has not provided the standby loan although we have fulfilled everything that needs to be done.”
He also explained that within the last year, the Central Bank has proactively stepped in to strengthen financial institutions the moment they felt there was instability and a liquidity issue. However, Cabraal warned that as per the precepts of a free economy, the people of the country have the freedom to put their money wherever they wish. “However, we request all individuals to invest your money at regulated financial institutions. It’s a simple matter of higher the return, higher the risks.”
Hatton National Bank CEO Rajendra Thiagarajah stated that although the newly liberated North and East regions are deposit rich, these funds must recycle back into these regions which have faced a dearth a development due to the war. “Skills development and transfer is also vital in the region,” he explained adding linkages between the North and the South of the country must be established focusing on the former’s strength. “Banks must look beyond security,” he informed, “These people have the opportunity to go beyond, and we have to provide them that chance.”
He also urged the banks to diversify their sources of money while putting forward the idea that in an environment where costs are high it would make sense to consolidate and cut down on overheads. The Central Bank Governor responded with the statement that if the banks can prove their responsibility by minimising related party transactions which are already at high levels, they may consider that option.
HSBC CEO Nick A. Nicolaou gave an international perspective by assuring that HSBC will continue to facilitate international investors’ requirements when wanting to invest in the country while adding that they have already committed USD 1.5 billion on infrastructural projects. Asian Development Bank Country Director Richard Vokes added that although a lot of work has been planned in the North and East much still needs to be done.
Amana Investments Managing Director Faizal Salieh stated that as infrastructural projects is going to be vital in the next few years, attracting Islamic Finance options should also be considered as they deal with infrastructural projects to bring in returns, adding that there now exists a positive trend to do things right.
John Keells Holdings Group Financial Director Ronnie Pieris added that since changes can’t take place overnight, businesses should play the game within the policy and must be market makers and not market takers.

Agriculture, dairy, fisheries and tourism – Opportunities for private sector

From left International Food Stuff and Agri Bio Tech Chairman Sarath Silva, Tropic Frozen Food CEO Roshan Fernando, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry Secretary G Piyasena, Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Non Cabinet Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Former Ministry of Education Secretary Ariyaratne Hewage, CIC Non-executive Chairman B. R. L. Fernando, University of Peradeniya Faculty of Agriculture Dean Buddhi Marambage, Tourist Hotel Association President Srilal Miththapala and J.E.Austin President Kevin Murphy.

* Paddy is profitable
* Encourage ‘volun-tourism’ in the North
* Plenty of scope for fisheries and tourism
The paddy sector in Sri Lanka is profitable and at near sustenance levels, CIC Non Executive Chairman B. R. L. Fernando explained but more opportunity remains for agriculture in the country.
“With the mobilisation of the East, the best land and the best farmers can contribute to the cultivation of paddy, and many opportunities also exist for the dairy industry,” he stated. He explained that the cost of production for 1kg of paddy was Rs. 27 (including CIC’s management fee) which can then be sold for Rs. 30. “So as individual cultivators, this cost is much less.” He also explained that one of the key challenges faced by the dairy industry was the low productivity of the animals with 3-4 litres of milk supplied by cows in local farms, a number which is as high as 16-17 litres in many other countries. CIC also intends to import a herd of Jersey cows from Australia to breed in the country.
However, he added that agriculture is market driven and that the availability of markets must be ensured. “We believe that the price control for paddy which has been set by the Government must be revised.” He added that the country must focus on niche markets and utilise its Ayurvedic heritage to promote and grow certain remedial herbs.
J.E. Austin, President Kevin Murphy who was sponsored by USAID to speak on his expertise in development stated that Sri Lanka must not make the same mistakes US did after they ended their own civil war in the 18th Century. “A dawn for Sri Lanka is coming from the East, but you must not forget the demand side. Get ATMs and mobile banking going on in the North so people can obtain remittances from their relatives abroad, get products branded to indicate where they come from so people in the South who know much needs to be done, will be encouraged to buy it. Provide the people there with the necessary equipment including solar driers for fish and horticultural products and construction material so they themselves can start off with rebuilding their lives.”
He also encouraged ‘volun-tourism’ where those who wish to see the North can also contribute towards developing it. “Give the people who lost their homes and their lands, title deeds to their lands. Imagine what a difference it will make to them,” he urged.
Speaking on behalf of the Government Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Non Cabinet Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara said that they were prepared to give a lot of help to the private sector in developing the North and East with allocation of land obtainable with proper consultation. “We provide loans at 8-12% interest rates to the farmers while we will continue to act as a regulatory body.”
The Minister added that the Government will continue to provide fertiliser at subsidised rates to the farmers; unfortunately he cautioned that the excessive use of this fertiliser has led to renal diseases in some. He also commented that the Government is not adverse to genetically modified crops as they are the way of the future and had discussions with scientific experts from the US on how to deal with the phenomenon that will soon spill over to Sri Lanka.
University of Peradeniya Faculty of Agriculture Dean Buddhi Marambage said that future opportunities in agriculture for the private sector also included ‘hybrid production’, while International Food Stuff and Agri Bio Tech Chairman Sarath Silva said that technology is needed to curb post harvest losses and bring more youth into the fray. “Sri Lanka produce has a large demand in the world, with our pineapples considered the best out there. We need to export close to 2000 MT a week but we do not have that kind of supply.”
Speaking on fisheries, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry Secretary G. Piyasena said that fish supply which used to be 40% from the Northern Province decreased to 5% during the conflict and this opportunity is now open again. He added that the private sector can get involved in offshore fishing projects.
Stating that the main problems faced by exporters is the production, Tropic Frozen Food CEO Roshan Fernando said that with close to 50000 boats Sri Lanka catches 300000 tons of fish while, Iceland harvests two million tons of fish with close to 20 boats. “Our efficiency must be improved.”
Tourist Hotel Association President Srilal Miththapala added that although Sri Lanka’s tourism is 15 years behind their competition, with the launch of the new Sri Lanka Small Miracle brand and the dawn of peace, more opportunity will be emerge to increase the contribution made by tourism towards the development of the country.

North East accelerated socio-economic development

From left Eastern Provincial Council Secretary V.P.Balasingham, BOI Investor Promotion Deputy Director General M. Kulasekara, World Bank Country Director Naoko Ishii, Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Moderator Savithri Rodrigo, UNDP Resident Representative Neil Buhne, USAID Economic Growth Director Gerald Andersen, Brandix Lanka Director Feroz Omar and Aecom International, Economic Growth, Governance and Reconstruction Division, Senior Vice President and Director Dr. Stephen Lewarne

* Attracting investors through custom made incentives
* Focus on human capital key
* Attractive working environment needs to be created
With the country’s attention now focused on developing the North and East Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said that now is the time for new and revolutionary ideas and a culture of innovation.
“Investment can change Sri Lanka’s economic landscape and the Government’s approach is multi layered with a 180 plan for immediate economic needs and a longer two year plan for growth in the region,” he explained. With such projects like the BOI driven IT training centres in the North, the Minister was confident that income disparity among the regions will decrease by development.
Along with several Industrial Zones identified in Trincomalee, Kilinochchi and Batticaloa, he added that tailor made incentive approaches will be provided for investments in the regions.
However international expert Aecom International, Economic Growth, Governance and Reconstruction Division, Senior Vice President and Director Dr. Stephen Lewarne who had handled the rebuilding of economies in post war regions such as Kosovo and Iraq warned that strong growth and labour intensive policies are required to ensure that the region does not revert back into conflict.
“Elections must be held at the right time and focus must turn to the development of human capital,” he explained, “Especially young men and combatants who need to be educated and integrated back into the society. Investors know that 7-8% growth is the magic number that would ensure their investments double every decade but it’s important that the ‘peace dividend’ is fueled back into the economy, which in most cases does not happen.”
The ‘peace dividend’ is the increase in public expenditure by the government since defense expenditure can be cut down. “Generally in a post conflict environment, we see a large amount of capital products being imported leading to wider trade deficits so it is important to be prepared.” While social safety nets are vital in this stage, Lewarne added that the Government’s focus should be on macroeconomic factors, stability, job creation and legitimacy.
USAID Economic Growth Director Gerald Andersen however added that Government first needs to deal with the IDP situation. “It is a way of controlling people by restricting their movements and actions, it is not a step towards integrating them,” he explained, “if there is an economic pull, people will go back. That is what we need to focus on.” He stated that rehabilitation of ex-combatants needs to be done by keeping these young men (as many as 1000 ex-LTTE cadres) busy.
In this regard World Bank Country Director Naoko Ishii said that the resettlement of the IDPs should be the Government’s first priority, with the World Bank offering a USD 60 million commitment to improve health, education and housing. UNDP Resident Representative Neil Buhne added that the psycho-social health of many in these camps was another important factor apart from the health and education aspects.
Eastern Provincial Council Secretary V.P.Balasingham explained that resettlement in the Eastern Province is almost complete with those who are witnessing the changes taking place keen to come back home. Brandix Lanka Director Feroz Omar who established a factory with over 200 workers there said that although labour is attainable, it is difficult to attract and keep middle management personnel in the region due to the inadequate working environment.
BOI Investor Promotion Deputy Director General M. Kulasekara added that the BOI has already approved of projects in the North with several new projects in the East already on the cards including the KKS cement factory, Punani garment factory and chemical factories in the region.

Harnessing human capital for the future

From left Cornucopia Managing Director Dinesh Weerakkody, Employers’ Federation of Ceylon Director General Ravi Pieris, ILO Geneva Economist Stevan Kapsos, LIRNEasia Lead Economist Harsha De Silva, Ministry of Labour Additional Secretary D L Kumaradasa, Jinasena Group Chairman Nihal Jinasena and Maharaja Organization Group Director Priyantha Serasinghe

* Increasing labour productivity critical
* Education system inadequate
* Employers must contribute towards skill development
Increasing labour productivity is absolutely critical, or Sri Lanka’s growth will drop from a 5.5% level to 3.1%, ILO Geneva Economist Stevan Kapsos stated. “Sri Lanka faces many labour challenges in the long term as the country has a rapidly aging population and productivity levels have not increased as rapidly as they should.”
While 45% of the population in the country is below the age of 25 and will eventually join the labour market, he stressed that growth spurred by an increase in productivity, not in numbers must be inculcated. Explaining that the global economic downturn has transmitted itself to Sri Lanka in the form of decreased customs revenue, fall in orders and cessation of construction activity, he added that the more vulnerable groups include women working in exports, men in construction, youth who are yet to find employment, migrant workers and the SME sector.
“We are seeing a large number of individuals who lost their jobs in the formal sector, move to the informal sector with a drastic change in living conditions.”
Ministry of Labour Additional Secretary D.L. Kumaradasa added that Sri Lanka suffers due to the imperfection in the labour markets further burdened by an education system that does not give the required skills. “Especially in the IT sector, although we provide them with vocational skills majority remain unemployed. Also there is voluntary unemployment among our graduates as they wait for the perfect job, just as there is a shortage of labour in our plantation companies with over 100000 vacancies.”
Giving a private sector perspective Jinasena Group Chairman Nihal Jinasena who runs a 100% export oriented company informed that due to the severe shortage of international orders, he to cut down on his workforce. “I am now producing the same quantity as before with one third of my workforce,” he stated, “That is the extent to which we have ignored the importance of productivity. Sri Lanka is still abysmally behind other countries in this regard.” Maharaja Organisation Group Director Priyantha Serasinghe added that his organization used the tool of communication effectively and did not retrench or layoff any of their staff. “We explained the gravity of the crisis and asked them for one request only, meet your budgets.”
Cornucopia Managing Director Dinesh Weerakkody added that the private sector must also quit passing the blame to the employee only and must invest in technology and training in order to ensure that their productivity improves. He stated that the education system must also inculcate the skills that the labour market finds attractive. “Most employees these days look for presentation, articulation, business policy and logical thinking as the most attractive attributes of a candidate.”

Building on ICT and English – Sri Lanka as a knowledge Economy

From left British Council Deputy Director Duncan Wilson, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology CEO Lalith Gamage, Bharti Airtel IT Operations and Governance Chief and Mobile Services CIO, Amrita Gangotra, Moderator Arun Dias Bandaranayake, Quatro BPO Solutions Chairman Raman Roy, Presidential Advisor Sunimal Fernando and Presidential Task Force in IT Team Leader Dr. Theekshana Suraweera

* Computerise Government functions in the vernacular
* English should be taught as a skill not as a subject
* Sri Lankan youth must be made trainable
India spearheaded its development by ensuring that he urban and the rural masses were empowered with the knowledge of English, Bharti Airtel IT Operations and Governance Chief and Mobile Services CIO, Amrita Gangotra explained. Sri Lanka can follow the same approach but she warned that ICT and English are two different things.
”You can start off the Government automation process and improve the state’s productivity by computerising operations in the vernacular, which is taking place in India. English should not be made a barrier. Korea for example is not English based but very ICT savvy,” she informed. She added that Sri Lanka must work on its strengths and cater to an outsourcing market which it is geared to meet, such as financial skills and accountancy operations.
Quatro BPO Solutions Chairman Raman Roy added that India ten years ago was like Sri Lanka but along with a multi generation plan that first catered to infrastructure, broadband and roads, then training and middle management and finally setting up the process, ensured that the country catered to international demand. “Training youth in Sri Lanka is very difficult,” he declared, “So do not try to duplicate India but focus on your strengths.”
In order to promote English in Sri Lanka however, it must be first viewed as a communication skill and not as a language according to British Council Deputy Director Duncan Wilson, a view echoed by Presidential Advisor Sunimal Fernando. “English is taught like a dead language like Latin or Greek in our schools,” Fernando stated, “And we need to have practical examinations and train our teachers to examine the students.”
He explained that a batch of 40 master trainers were trained at the English and Foreign Languages School in Hyderabad on this aspect and 1600 have been trained within the country, but the reforms must be implemented first.
Echoing this, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology CEO Lalith Gamage explained that even in the ICT sector, there is a lack of skilled teachers.

Governance: Challenges for the public and private sector

From left Transparency International Executive Director J C Weliamuna, Securities and Exchange Commission Director General Channa De Silva, Malaysian Economic Planning Unit Deputy Director Dato Dr. K. Govindan, Moderator Savithri Rodrigo, Hatton National Bank Chairman Rienzie Wijetilleke, President’s Counsel Harsha Cabraal, Public Administrationand Home Affairs Secretary Dharmasena Dissanayake and CCC Past Chairman Deva Rodrigo

* Public Sector must be Private Sector friendly
* Call to implement 17th Amendment
* Not the time for Judicial Popularism
The more rules and regulations you have, the more corrupt your country is going to be, stated Malaysian Economic Planning Unit Deputy Director Dato Dr. K. Govindan, and Governments must streamline regulations and procedures, provide greater transparency and discretion, and incorporate technology in order to minimise corruption.
“You need to have a civil service with a global outlook,” he said, “Be private sector friendly and remember the local private sector must be protected.” However, he cautioned, “Don’t expect them to work if you do not train them and pay them well.”
Speaking on the spate of judgments issued against privatisation, Member of Parliament Wijedasa Rajapakshe admitted that judgments such as the SLIC can be adverse when the contract happened decades ago. He stated that here is a need for ‘participatory democracy’ in Sri Lanka with the private sector which has been ‘anesthetised’ in the last few years, playing a more active role.
Transparency International Executive Director J.C. Weliamuna added that although judicial activism was positive, judicial popularism must not be encouraged. “To have good governance, the top brass has to be clean,” he stated, “And the people should demand for it.” He added that the concept of ‘name and shame’ won’t work in Sri Lanka because the people who are corrupt are also ‘shameless’, blatantly mismanaging public funds.
CCC Past Chairman Deva Rodrigo added that the greatest problem faced by good governance was the politicisation of the institutions in the country. “We need to implement the 17th Amendment which would minimise politicisation. However, the leaders do not want this happening because it would take away their power. The people must stand up against this and speak.” He also warned that many facts were being distorted and presented to the public, including the SLIC case. “There is no mention of a fraud, only a mistake in the judgment. But the message that went across was very different.”

2020 Vision for Sri Lanka – Parliamentarians’ point of view

From left MP Kabir Hashim, MP Dayasiri Jayasekara, Justice and Law Reform Minister, Milinda Moragoda, Moderator Faizal Samath, MP Sunil Hadunetti, MP Sajith Premadasa and Non Cabinet Tourism Minister Faizer Mustapaha

What did the lawmakers have to say at the end of the two day summit? The consensus was that although a vision for 2020 is too far off to predict, the immediate course of action in the next few years would be for all parties to focus on a united approach towards the development of the country.
Newly appointed Justice and Law Reform Minister, Milinda Moragoda stated that the ‘winner takes all’ politics practiced in the country is not suitable and destroyed the country. “The system traps us all,” the Minister said, “And we must stop being cynical in this vital juncture and look towards a future we can make better.” He called on a younger generation of statesmen to drive the country forward and said that it is time we think about a system that is truly Sri Lankan and not a mix of Western systems.
He added that instead of blaming the politicians, more dialog and interaction with civil society could be more constructive.
Non Cabinet Tourism Minister Faizer Mustapaha added that it is time for all Sri Lankans to work on a ‘Sri Lankan Identity’. “We have been moving away from a secular state with the divisions we’ve made on ethnic lines,” he said. “We need to come together and think like a secular state.”
However, UNP MP Kabir Hashim stated, “We should agree to disagree even as we try to bring this country up. And we must look at the homegrown issues first. A good governance structure must be put in place, our tertiary education system which is supply driven must be reformed, and there must be more capital expenditure on education.” He added that out of the 9700 schools in the country 6700 were without libraries and 4000 had no electricity. “With budget cuts of 51% on capital expenditure for schools, we must focus on getting the structure right.”
He added that the Government must put the 17th Amendment in place and make the public sector accountable. “The Press Council Bill for example is also a problem for all.”
UNP MP Sajith Premadasa added that a ‘consensus is important but unrealistic’. “Telling someone to compromise on their own power is difficult and you have to make sacrifices. No divergence between declarative politics and action politics and you need to have policy structures important to ensure we have some policy to govern the country. And these policies should be the result of rational and not ad hoc decision making.”
JVP MP Sunil Hadunetti stated that parties should be responsible and appoint those who are suitable to represent the people. “Chambers should also put pressure on the politicians. We believe the Government should devolve administration and not power,” he added, “And unless we have lasting peace our people will not have trust in democracy.”
As a first step, he called on the Government to focus on the issue of language. “Why does our constitution say that Sinhala is our official language while Tamil can ‘also’ be used? Let’s make Sinhala, Tamil and English the official languages of our country and get things done.”
His proposal was enthusiastically taken up by the rest of the politicians who vowed to work together to consider the change in Parliament.