FT VIEWEffective IT
EVERYONE agrees that Sri Lanka needs IT to develop rapidly and has the human resources to meet this end if used wisely. However, a recent survey might have put a dent in the Government’s plans to make the country an ICT hub.
After enjoying impressive gains previously, Sri Lanka has slipped in the latest Network Readiness Index (NRI) compiled by the World Economic Forum and the global business school INSEAD.
A time for action
The recent alleged abduction of Premakumar Gunaratnam, which was reported by his family and party members together with the leader of the women’s wing of the party, Dimuthu Attygalle has stirred diplomatic relations and human rights activists while throwing a challenge to the Government to implement the law.
Learning a better balancing act
Sri Lanka is facing a challenging April as it attempts to strengthen relations with India and move forward economically. A visit planned by Indian politicians due to kick off after the New Year will be preceded by an official tour from Palestine President Mohammed Abbas.
The blame game and accountability
The Daily FT on Thursday featured on page 1 a story based on some startling comments and allegations by UNP MP Dr. Harsha De Silva and young business leader Dilith Jayaweera. The headlines and the contents wouldn’t have been a good read for President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Minister of Finance and Planning, his Ministry Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera and Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal.
Engage and execute
IN matters of national reconciliation, engagement with all stakeholders is important. The Friday Forum, a grouping of intellectuals and respected public figures, recently made known their views of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in the post-UNHRC environment.
Lessons from ASEAN
When trouble strikes, it’s best not to be alone. The European Union has proved this and ASEAN is taking a leaf from its book and insists that it is “on track” to greater integration by 2015. This places greater challenges on the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to move forward to deal with the global and regional challenges on development.
Mini-budget for big problem?
Everyone is familiar with the saying there is no such thing as a free lunch. In that case, what is the cost for Sri Lanka’s development?
With a rapidly depreciating rupee that seems to have levelled off and a near US$ 10 billion trade deficit, the Government last week decided to reduce imports still further by stamping down on vehicle imports.
No free lunch
Traditionally Sri Lankan governments are famous for handing out freebees to gain popularity. According to recent reports, this habit of giving things freely has been expanded with the decision to make Hambantota a “free port,” despite spending a gigantic amount of money constructing and promising that the income would boost the economy.
Labour over laws?
As Expo 2012 winds down there is renewed interest in Sri Lanka’s investment opportunities, yet there is little or no discussion at policymaking level of how archaic labour laws are discouraging businessmen.
Another call for justice
Sri Lanka’s crime waves have ascended another level with the murder of the two Buddhist monks and brought fresh shock and horror to the people whose sensibilities have been anesthetised by the growing numbers of violent crimes.
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