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| Sunday, 22 June 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Gas crisis and passive consumer It is observed that in marketing parlance "CONSUMER IS THE KING" unfortunately in the recent past "THE KING" was taken hostage by the key players in the gas trade who dictated terms to the government and the consumer. The crisis started when a prospective local entrepreneur announced that he would supply a gas cylinder of 12.5 kg to consumers at a much lower price than the existing market price. This in fact stirred a hornets nest. Immediately the two key players in the trade reacted in an aggressive manner disregarding accepted norms and ethics thus blocking the way to the new entrant. It is regrettable that under these circumstances the consumer population in our country either behaved like lethargic onlookers or they were in a deep slumber. In this backdrop the positive and active role played by the mass-media (Print and Electronic) to protect the right of the consumer is commendable. In my view what the leading gas dealers in this trade should have done was without restricting competition and causing an imbalance in market, adopt a marketing strategy which is more consumer friendly and consumer centred, reach a compromise safeguarding their business interest and offer consumers a fair deal. Callous disregard of the consumer's interest incurred their wrath and contempt, whereas a little more concern for their welfare would have earned respect and appreciation. Though unpalatable the truth always prevails. This is not the first instance in the history of this country that a handful of bureaucrats were attempting in to sabotage people friendly programs implemented by the government of the day for reasons best known to themselves. With such behaviour they not only damage their own image but the image of the majority of honest and dignified officers. It is observed some of those who have assumed high offices in state sector hail from the lower middle class who had their education under the free education system from Maha Vidyalayas to the University level, with funds provided by the Public. In these circumstances their behaviour is astonishing and disappointing. The scant respect and unconcern for fellow countrymen is a matter for deep regret. The entire consumer population should appreciate and commend Mr. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Commerce & Consumer Affairs for the steadfast stand he took under difficult conditions to protect consumers and finally grant them an opportunity to heave a sigh of relief. He fearlessly raised the issue at Cabinet level and challenged bureaucrats in certain state corporations whom he accused had vested interest in the whole issue. The behaviour of consumers in this whole affair, which has direct impact on their daily lives was lamentable. They left the whole issue to be fought by the Minister of Commerce & Consumer Affairs and the Media. It is high time that they be alert and conscious of their rights and privileges and organise to re-activate consumer protection societies and prepare to face similar challenges in future. Whilst appreciating your commercial right to earn a profit from your investment, we urge that at the same time there should be an ethical standard for your profit margin. If not we may remind you the story of the foolish man who killed the goose that lay golden eggs. In this regard the consumers of this island nation would endorse the correct step taken by signing MOU with the FCT which is I believe a good precedent created. In conclusion I wish to mention that in the final analysis what matters is not how we won the game but how we played the game. Whether we have played according to the rules or whether we played foul. A. Godwin de Alwis, General Secretary, Pragna Study Circle |
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