A chance for development experimentation

We are a nation of conquerors; a triumphant force that has overcome the grip of terror, and thus we bathe in the glory of victory. But a singular feat must not deter our focus on the broader national objectives that now lie clear. For a nation playing catch -up on the global development stage, we look towards an accelerated programme of growth with national participation.
For a government and even a private sector pursuing an agenda of growth, the present poses an ideal opportunity for experimentation. With the global and local economies poised to come out of the throes of recession, policymakers and business are presented with new prospects to forge a robust economy. For instance, the newly-liberated Northern and Eastern provinces offer virgin territory, where both government and the private sector could explore new development models. This is also opportunity for public-private partnership. The private sector could bring in the much-needed capital and expertise to fund infrastructure and community development activities where government could play the role of facilitator and regulator. A joint approach would also augur well for building confidence amongst the communities, some of whom are having their first taste of democracy and also a free economy.
But this process of transition, or development, must be managed effectively. There cannot be a culture shock which would impede the traditions and lives of these people, and also in turn set back the good intentions of business. This is where government can play a significant role as a regulator to manage this transition. The messages must be clear, and the commitment sincere.
The development of basic infrastructure is imperative to bring about normalcy to the lives of the newly-liberated; to open up the same possibilities that are present for us in the South. The government would be hard-pressed to fund an accelerated programme of development concerning capital intense projects, and must thereby consider inviting investments from the private sector. These investments could be recovered via repayment plans based on usage. The simplest example being the establishment of toll roads.
What this effectively does is remove the risk and necessity on government to invest large chunks of its cash flows on a single area. It will reduce impact on the budget deficit, it will reduce the need to print money and thereby soften the burden on inflation. It can even reduce the instance for bribery and corruption. With adequate incentive and the purpose and national importance impressed upon them, the private sector would no doubt respond what could be a national duty. It is a call to man a new front; one of growth proportions.
In the traditional Sri Lankan realm, we tend to find comfort in utilities or public property such as roads, transport and water all provided by government. Given the capital intensity and the need for accelerated development, it is perhaps time we begin to shape people’s minds to look and accept beyond. Material and structural growth can offer no yields without support and action from the people. A process of social upliftment through education and effective controls is imperative to culminate this process – a course that requires apolitical will. Power politics of gain cannot prevail in a developmental economy, and would no doubt prove a stumbling block for a transition process. With the fast track of clearing and development activity in the North, and a hum of a reduced cabinet post general election, the government it seems is laying the track for the right foundation. It is time we get one and all to buy-in to this process as a nation. This process must be participatory, an all party process of development proportions.