(June 15, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Today our country is confronted with one of the worst crisis in known history. At a time like this we as Sri Lankans should forget our differences and rally round as one group irrespective of cast, creed, religion, ethnicity and politics. Even if it means, hiding our pride, it has to be done because there is a national crisis affecting both the rich and the poor, big and small.
The loss of billions of rupees, wastage of resources, and massacre of citizens cannot be easily ignored; and we cannot confine ourselves to preaching without doing anything about it. The first and foremost issue is to bring about peace between the warring factions and it is important that Government initiates peace moves by inviting the LTTE once again to discuss these important issues and end the bloody war.
We have to do our utmost to get the terrorists to accept a democratic way of living and lay down arms. To a certain extent this was successful in the Eastern Province. If that is true, we don’t see any reason why it cannot be achieved in the Northern Province.
Therefore the Government and the LTTE and any other concerned parties should meet at a round table discussion to find out ways and means of lessening the burdens faced by the people and arrive at a practical and workable solution.
At a time as the present, we have to consider the formation of a national government with a national cabinet of a maximum of 15 members — disbanding the present monstrous cabinet — consisting of members of all main political parties and communities.
It is advisable to declare a war situation based on the national crisis and muster all possible resources to fight the issues we are faced with. As a gesture of goodwill we can even invite a member of the LTTE to the Cabinet, so that they will appreciate the fundamentals of democracy.
Example of simple living at low cost should be propagated first by the politicians giving the lead without double standards and insincerity. Since everyone has to share the national burden, sacrifices are needed from all sectors and bigger sacrifices from the leaders of the country.
All subsidies, free houses, electricity, free fuel etc., should be immediately curtailed and those who presently enjoy such benefits should be asked to bear 50% of the cost, so that they too will feel the burden carried by rest of the population. Those who are exempted from Income Tax should also be asked to pay at least 50% of the tax.
All essential food items including fuel which are imported must be sold at cost plus 10% to be more realistic and lessen the direct and indirect the burdens of the people. As a matter of fact we should not tax the innocent people twice and rob them of their right to live equally with others. The idea of tax at the point of import and at the point of sale should be avoided. We should be more objective in our taxation policy.
We should consider the stopping of imports of all luxury items for a period of time while discouraging import of food items and other items that can be grown or manufactured in the country. Providing reasonable incentives to farmers and industrialists may also help to achieve this without much problem.
Big public functions, lavish parties and unnecessary foreign travel by politicians and public officers should be curtailed to encourage austerity until the economy recovers.
Compulsory electricity cut of at least 3 hours, preferably between 9 a.m. to 12 noon everyday until the fuel crisis is minimised is something that has to be addressed. Alternative sources of energy should be encouraged and incentives should be provided for innovations. Reduced transport fares could encourage people to use public transport in their day to day affairs.
The cost of security of all sectors could be minimised if we can arrive at an understanding with the LTTE to first solve the national crisis before fighting the war.
Indirect taxes at the point of sale could be imposed so that consumption levels can be controlled automatically.
Deterrent punishment for bribery and corruption especially when dealing with public funds, should be seriously considered, perhaps with life imprisonment for those who are found guilty of such acts.
The Government should accept the policy of leading from the front, and avoid double standards in dealing with dishonesty, corruption and partiality.
- Sri Lanka Guardian
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