May Day Rally a show of strength:

Masses commitment to Govt, against terrorism

By Manjula FERNANDO

The National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara speaks to the Sunday Observer on the significance of the May Day rally 2011 and the position of the Government with regard to the Private Sector Pensions Bill.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa re-iterated that May day should be a show of strength by the large mass of people who support the UPFA as a mark of the commitment of the people to support the government on account of the many important steps so far taken by the Government, especially the decisive victory scored against LTTE terrorism.

Vasudeva Nanayakkara

May Day should also be a platform where people air their expectations, the future programs intended by the Government to bring about changes to elevate the country in the economic, social and democratic spheres.

These are issues for which the President called on the people to show their strength. It was not only about the report given by the so-called experts of the UN Secretary General.

On the one hand to defend the country and the UPFA government for everything it had done to the people, including the decisive defeat of LTTE terrorism and also to air expectations and aspirations of the people by a show of strength and the direction in which the people wish the Government to carry the country forward.

All this time we have not had demonstrations.

The UPFA as a whole decided on a common demonstration after a long lapse. But we, the LSSP, the CP, the Democratic Left Front, the People's Party and the Desha Vimukthi Peramuna, as the left, have always held demonstrations and May Day rallies.

This year we unanimously decided on a demonstration and a meeting. It is a significant decision because a demonstration on the one hand is an opportunity for the people to speak out what they expect, think and stand for.

On the other hand, it helps to develop an awareness among the large mass of people who gather regarding a certain set of ideas, which are achievable goals in the next term. Moreover, it has an impact on the ruling party and the people running the Government.

We will not be having common rallies with opposition parties but there are a number of UPFA parties.

There will be three processions along three routes which will converge at Town Hall for the rally. the LSSP, The CP, the Democratic Left Front, the People's Party, the Desha Vimukthi Party will start the rally from Rajagiriya.

The Mahajana Eksath Peramuna will join us from Senanayake junction. Then all six Left parties together will proceed to Horton Place and then move in to Town Hall for the main rally.

Wimal Weerawansa's National Freedom Front will start the procession near Ananda College and come down Deans Road to the Town Hall grounds.

The SLFP and the Tamil and Muslim Parties will commence at Campbell Park and proceed to Borella junction and come down to Ward Place to Town Hall.

We expect a crowd of over 300,000 to converge for the UPFA rally.

Opposition parties have their own stand point and Agendas basically to destabilise this Government.

They are acting in a secretive manner to make use of every opportunity through whatever avenues to aim their hostile actions towards the Government.

Therefore we are definitely on two different courses. We are in conflict politically. They want to overturn our government even with the help of the devil. We are determined to defend our Government and the UPFA and follow the course that we have started on - the Mahinda Chinthana based on social democracy.

Regarding the private sector Pensions Bill, the former head of the Employers Federation Chandra Jayaratne has requested that this Bill should not be presented in Parliament.

Not only him, even the present chairman has said the same thing. Both of them have come together with some of the so-called trade union representatives to denounce the Pensions Bill.

We don't see how they can hail the workers interest at heart.

They are normally the opposite pole of the working class forces, even the smallest concession given to the working class had been grudged by them throughout. Did't the Government come to an agreement with them before proceeding to finalise the Bill?

Yes, we discussed it at the National Labour Advisory Council.

But we found that they had nothing to discuss but to oppose it in toto, the Chamber of Commerce together with Bala Thampoe, the JVP and the UNP.

So we decided that it was better to discuss and accept with those who agree that this is a giant leap forward in social protection for the working class since the 50s.

What are the conflict areas? There are problems in several areas. But these are minor issues which can always be ironed out as we go on discussing it.

But the fundamental position of a Pensions Bill, the foundation itself is being attacked by them.

I see there are lesser issues within the Bill which needs discussion and changes but on the whole this Bill is a giant leap forward in social protection for the working class.

About the benefits not accruing to the spouse, the unclear position about the ten years - whether it becomes cumulative or not, needs clarification, then the age of retirement if we make it 55 or 60 years and at what point the pension entitlement should accrue these points still need to be sorted out.

Employers say their liquidity will be 'very badly' affected if the Government goes ahead with this Bill. That is their only concern.

They will not be making any contribution more than what they already contribute to the EPF and ETF.

Two per cent out of their ETF and ten per cent out of their EPF. They are grudging this two per cent.

Employers must be called upon to pay more because they can afford it. They make huge profits in the billions. The bigger companies make billions and the lesser companies make millions in profits. The share of the worker has been reduced over the years.

The real wage is worked out after reducing the inflation. So the employer has to be contributed a larger share. That is my opinion.

There is a case before the courts, so we are waiting for its conclusion in about a week or so to proceed with the Pensions Bill. Trade unions which are supportive of the Government will meet the Secretary Finance and discuss the matters that we have raised with the President.

We have 20 -30 large trade unions who are supportive of this Bill.

The important thing is the Bill not only has an application to the employees of the private sector. If you are self employed even then you can get a contribution on your part and then receive a pension when you are old.

Likewise anyone can contribute and receive a pension in old age. This is very significant when you consider the ageing population of Sri Lanka.

What can the Government do to bring down the high cost of living ?

The cost of living is very high. We all know that. We have to have incomes to compensate for the high COL. One way is to give a wage hike for both the private and public sector.

More social protection and then if about five essential food items can be given at concessionary prices as proposed in the Budget speech, this would go a long way in helping lower income groups. This is already proposed in the Budget, it needs to be enforced.