Winner’s Manifesto

“Our people need disciplining. It is difficult to tackle the subject entirely in a column like this. Some examples are that all drivers in Sri Lanka have to be disciplined. This can be achieved in three months if the authorities are determined.”
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By Helasingha Bandara

(December 09, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The presidential candidate who can include the following in his/her manifesto and convince the masses that he/she will implement them should be the winner of the forthcoming presidential election:

Abolish illegitimate powers of the members of Parliament (MPs)

MPs in Sri Lanka have the absolute power in dealing with all aspects of life in their constituencies. Successive governments have let the illegitimate power encroaching escalate to an extent that encourages individuals to spend their entire wealth to become an MP because it has turned out to be the most lucrative job and the easiest way to become rich. The competition to become a candidate of a general election is so fierce that individuals bring themselves down to the lowest possible level in behaviour. If the role of the MP is restricted to legislative power, not many people would compete for that role, only those who sincerely wish to offer their service to the nation without a corrupt desire to fill their pockets will come forward. They will do their jobs to the best of their ability as they would not have hidden agendas.

Smaller cabinet

Select 25 of the most efficient people from any party who have a clean track record to be included in the cabinet. It is ludicrous to have every MP as a minister or a junior minister. A colossal sum of money is wasted on these wasters.

Restore efficiency in the state sector

The sate sector does not need as many people as it currently employs. Despite the oversubscription of human resources, it is still inefficient in dealing with public needs. Bureaucrats and their subordinates would not resolve issues of the people without a bribe of some form. For instance this writer went to the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya in 1975. There were desks and chairs but no people. When enquired, the usual answer was that they are at their tea break. In 2005 I visited the same place again. In fact, there was absolutely no change of the vacant seats and the hackneyed answer ‘the tea break’.

There is something called a public day for people to queue at all AGA offices. Thousands of poor people queue in the smouldering heat to see the bureaucrats. They go there again and again without success. Thousands of people waste their valuable time at state administrative centres begging the bureaucrats to serve their needs. Millions of human hours that can be used for the development of the country and people are lost at government offices because of the corrupt system. It is time to make the corrupt officials redundant and appoint efficient young people and young managers to manage state affairs in a manner befitting the 21st century. In developed countries, people use phone, email or letter to communicate with any public, private or voluntary agency. No one wastes time going to offices.

Discipline the people

Our people need disciplining. It is difficult to tackle the subject entirely in a column like this. Some examples are that all drivers in Sri Lanka have to be disciplined. This can be achieved in three months if the authorities are determined. Heavy fines have to be imposed against those who break the Highway Code. In the process, the corrupt police have to be removed first or a new task force has to be created for this purpose.

Young women should be able to walk on any street of the country at any time without being harassed by on lookers. They should have the freedom to wear what they likes and do what they want. It should not be the business of unruly passers-by. Recently, I saw two girls walking in broad day light in a small town. Two guys followed them making comments such as “hay kalunangi, api honda madida” etc. I felt like telling them to piss off. Sorry, that was only a sudden impulse. In lawless Sri Lanka the truth cannot be told.

Eradicate corruption

Eradicate all forms of corruption and that would save more than enough money to develop the country. Corruption starts within the parliament and runs down to the Pradeshiya Sabhawa. Without exception all politicians take perks. The system has been designed and developed for the politicians and their supporters to exploit and benefit without the public even realising.

Restore law and order

Remove political influence from the security forces, particularly from the police force and the judiciary. Everyone, irrespective of the differences in status should have equal right to justice. Crime rate brought to zero.

Infrastructure

A quality network of roads, power and water are made available to every nook and corner of the country. Equal distribution of state resources is guaranteed. The preferential treatment for certain areas of the country is stopped.

Education and work

Reform the education system to suit 21st century needs by introducing vocational education and training. A quality assurance system is established for the Universities and colleges to improve and maintain high standards. Introduce industries and create employment opportunities for almost all.

Provision of equal opportunities

Legislation is devised on the equal opportunity provision. Irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, economic or social status, everyone will have equal opportunity for development. Discrimination on those grounds is made illegal.

Within that framework a free and fair society will be created. Every citizen of the country will be able to live in peace, prosperity and harmony with human dignity intact.

-Sri Lanka Guardian