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.
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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.
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