“A lot is spoken about Mahinda Chinthanaya and the government attributes all what it does to it. But the people do not understand this Mahinda Chinthanaya. They are also unable to assess the merits and demerits of what has been done, as they do not have a Chinthanaya to refer to.”_________________________________
by Lionel F. W. Ponniah
(March 26, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The subject of national security may be classified into territorial security, health security, income security and energy security.
Minister Bandula Gunewardena appears to be unconcerned about the plight of the citizens who do not have a regular income to meet the increasing cost of living. That does not mean that those who have a regular income are in any way better off. Even those who claim to represent us and seek our support to come to power at an election do not appear to be concerned about the well being of those who vote for them.
In developed countries there are various checks and balances established to cushion the people from the burden of a high cost of living. But unfortunately such a system is not available in developing or third world countries. Consequently the people in these countries suffer untold hardships while those in power wallow in luxury all at the expense of the poor masses.
The US presidential debate should act as an eye opener to the politicians in our country. Whatever may be said about capitalists and capitalism, anyone watching these debates is sure to agree that there is much transparency in their affairs.
A lot is spoken about Mahinda Chinthanaya and the government attributes all what it does to it. But the people do not understand this Mahinda Chinthanaya. They are also unable to assess the merits and demerits of what has been done, as they do not have a Chinthanaya to refer to.
I would like to suggest that each candidate who has been nominated to stand for election should file a copy of his election pledges with the Elections Commissioner so that the public could hold them legally accountable for the promises made by them.
Under the existing system the voters are unable to hold the politicians accountable when they do not fulfill their promises. All they can do is to wait for another election to kick the politician out and elect another equally bad person who invariably will also fail to keep his promises.
The President is accountable to ensure that the people have income security against changes in the prices of essential commodities as he is obliged to establish mechanisms such as a commodities exchange to encourage importers to find cheaper sources to import essential commodities from. As it is, the people are at the mercy of the import mafia, which needs to be eliminated for the benefit of the masses.
There should be a system where those who fail to keep to their promises could be punished either by removing them from their portfolio or even sacking them from parliament so that they would not get paid by the state.
An energy committee has been established to suggest alternative sources of supply from where oil could be imported at competitive prices. They also have to explore alternative sources of energy without sticking to the traditional oil or coal to generate electricity. How is it that no thought has been given to nuclear power? And how is it that our energy experts have not been bold enough to suggest the use of nuclear power to generate electricity? India is generating electricity through the use of nuclear power.
It is doubtful whether the energy committee will ever come up with such a proposal. It would be better for that committee to resign and let capable persons handle the job.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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