Mismanagement and politics cause crises in most spheres of activity

by Milinda Rajasekera

A Sri Lankan woman buys plantain fruits in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011.- AP Photo

(January 19, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The fact that Sri Lanka is plagued today with shortages and price hikes in essential items of food compelling the authorities to look for overseas supplies to maintain a regime of reasonable prices shows, among other things, the abysmal failure of successive administrations in this country to manage national affairs efficiently. The authorities attribute the recent price hikes in coconut to a shortfall in coconut production. How did this shortfall occur and what meaningful steps the relevant authorities such as the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), Coconut Development Authority (CDA) and the host of political heads under whom these organizations function, had taken to avert the impending crisis?

It is understandable if the reasons have been weather conditions or other disasters over which these organizations have no control. But the situation obviously stems mainly from inept management that failed to foresee things. If land fragmentation, shortage of fertilizer or diseases like Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease (WCLWD) and Leaf Rot Disease (LRD) affecting coconut cultivation were the main causes, then why didn’t these institutions and the government take prompt remedial measures?

The situation is not different as regards shortages and high prices in other commodities too. Shortages have occurred and prices have gone up despite the plethora of institutions, organisations and political heads charged with managing these matters. What reasons caused the shortage of chicken and eggs? What action did the authorities take to prevent the occurrence of such shortages? The All Ceylon Poultry Farmers Association (ACPFA) President Dr. D.D. Wanasinghe complains that the Ministry of Livestock did not allow in time the import of chicks needed to meet the shortage of layers. He says that the ACPFA asked for permission to import chicks in August 2010 but received no positive response. But when the crisis emerged the National Livestock and Development Board (NLDB) agreed to import chicks in December while issuing a threat to import eggs. This shows the absence of proper coordination or rapport among various relevant agencies.

Apparently, these institutions follow the policy of closing the stable-door after the horses had bolted. It was only after the crisis occurred and public agitations arose that the authorities were galvanized into activity. Whatever the reasons, when shortages occur it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure equitable distribution of available commodities to maintain reasonable levels of prices thus avoiding creation of confusion by accusing the opposition parties, issuing warnings to producers and threats to import commodities that this country can well produce. It is indeed the failure of the authorities to adopt an efficient system of production and distribution that has throughout caused these periodic crises. The failure of the civil administrative system is such that it has now become necessary for the government to rely on armed forces to distribute vegetables and other items.

It is most unfortunate, to say the least, that the authorities had to seriously contemplate importing even coconut, among other items, to this country which set a great store by a policy of import substitution and export promotion, and self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Sri Lanka undoubtedly has the ability and the resources - natural, material and human - needed to produce most, if not all, required items of food. Political parties and politicians are glib in incessantly asserting, particularly at election times, that this is an island surrounded by sea teeming with fish and that the country should exploit this situation to produce fish sufficient for daily consumption and caning without relying on imports. They often stress that our country is blessed with rich soil, climatic and other conditions suitable for food production. Authorities also talk about adopting methods of storing and preserving items of food for use in times of scarcity.

But when placed in power these parties fail to show equal enthusiasm to act on their impressive assertions. Their pronouncements and performances begin to develop gaping gaps. Methods of efficient management and norms of good governance are made to yield place to narrow political objectives and interests. Evidently, it is unprincipled political party activities that have often obstructed the pursuit of common national interests. The malady is not peculiar to one political party. Party politics gives rise to a wide variety of social activities that run counter to national interests and aspirations.

Ruling parties lend their support and patronage to individuals and organizations that provide funds and other needs to promote their party interests. Among those seeking patronage are manufacturers, traders and other business sectors that need such support particularly for promoting their selfish interests. Not that this fraternity is completely bereft of honest, generous and magnanimous people. But the vast majority are motivated by selfish interests. They manipulate markets, create shortages, produce sub-standard products, produce unhygienic food items and indulge in a variety of acts to maximize their profits and minimize expenditure. So, unless this pattern of extending political patronage to persons and organizations for engaging in anti-social and unpatriotic activities is done away with, the achievement of national goals would be extremely difficult.