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| Sunday, 19 September 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Alternative government program of the left To overcome the challenge of imperialist globalisation alternative policies have been formulated. These include protecting Sri Lanka's independence and sovereignty, working towards a solution of the ethnic problem and achieve peace as soon as possible. By Dr. Tissa Vitharana, Minister of Science and Technology
The Government must act at all times in the national interest, both here and abroad. The role of the state must be strengthened. It must play a regulatory role within the framework of an open economy, and endeavour to act in the national interest rather than according to the dictates of the IMF/World Bank/World Trade Organisation. The abolition of the Executive Presidential system and the restoration of democratic government with executive power vested once again in Parliament is an essential part of this process whereby the will and the interests of the people prevail. There should be suitable reform of the electoral system to ensure that all sections of the community get adequate representation while ensuring that the voters have the ability to elect a representative for a defined constituency that is not too large so that he would be answerable to the voter. The Electoral Reform Committee of Parliament should be activised to work out a mutually acceptable formula based on the German model. The military agreement with the USA must be rescinded. The ongoing peace process must be taken forward effectively on the basis of a multi-partisan, or at least a bipartisan approach which involves both the UPFA/PA and the UNP. A suitable alternative to the ISGA should be formulated so as to initiate peace talks. Shortcomings in the ceasefire MoU need to be corrected, and the Government must be firm in implementing it and yet retain the confidence of the LTTE. A lasting solution needs to be reached expeditiously. The political solution embodied in the PA's Constitution Amending Bill of August 2000 had received the prior approval of the UNP itself and the Tamil and Muslim parties. It can be the basis for discussion with the LTTE to reach an agreement on the required political solution based on devolution of power. The solution should ensure optimal regional autonomy to permit economic and cultural development within a unified and functionally integrated country and a pluralist modern democratic State. During and after this process ethnic harmony must be consolidated in a way that a truly Sri Lankan identity and society is established in which all citizens have equal rights and opportunities. Suitable interim arrangements should be made part of a final solution Economic development This is not confined to GDP growth only but also includes striving to eliminate the conditions that subject people to poverty, taking into account current UN and international fundamental rights concepts regarding 'safeguarding the right to life'- this also includes guarantees of employment or maintenance, adequate housing, nutritional sustenance, quality education and health care. What is required is a mixed economy in which the private sector and the state sector are both promoted and actively complement each other. The approach to economic development should be a balanced one, on the basis of walking on two legs, rather than attempting to hop on one (and inevitably falling) as at present under IMF direction. Emphasise on not only export promotion but also import substitution (limited period of tariff protection and subsidies, while ensuring competition, to encourage local enterprises to meet the needs of the local market) Use both market drive and state regulation of the economy (let market drive to help increase) productivity and improve quality, and use planned development that is market guided according to market trends and responds to market signals). Promote not only the private sector but also the public sector enterprise (to fill any void that exists and also to provide necessary competition). Give the same encouragement to the local private investors as that given at present to those from abroad (e.g. targeted BOI facilities) and supporting services like the provision of adequate readily accessible development finance including venture capital. There should also be suitable subsidies and tariff protection in selected areas which have a competitive advantage. Diversify - by actively supporting other industries besides garments, supporting industry and agriculture as much as services, supporting both domestic and commercial agriculture. To be continued |
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