FT VIEWSeeing business sense
The UN Human Rights Council resolution is still making headlines and likely to do so for many weeks to come. There is graffiti screaming “Obama is mad” scrawled on Colombo’s walls and politicians as well as other stakeholders continue to express their displeasure of the US Therefore, holding the largest trade exhibition in nearly two years and holding trade talks with the same country lends an interesting dimension to the strained relations.
Wheels within wheels?
Ceylon Workers Congress Leader and Minister Arumugam Thondaman threw a curveball at the Government when he suddenly decided to resign from his portfolio on Monday. Given that Sri Lankan ministers would rather deny their mistakes till they are blue in the face, sometimes with barefaced lies, rather than give up their ministerial post, this development came as a surprise to many.
Balance involvement
A Government on the defensive can be dangerous thing. A level-headed tackling of the issues at hand is what the Government requires at the moment and wading through knee-jerk reactions on the resolution that was passed at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is of paramount importance at times such as this.
Fuelling relief
AFTER much bad news, there is a sign of relief on the oil issue. Even though it was feared that Sri Lanka would lose around 90 per cent of its fuel due to US sanctions on Iran that will come into effect from June, the latest news that only 15 per cent will be reduced is heartening indeed.
What next?
The UNHRC saga is entering a new phase. As the US carried through its intentions, admittedly in a watered-down method, the thought that rises now is, what next?
Sensible spending
Arguably, the silver lining in the currency depreciation is that Sri Lanka’s exports will grow, or it seems to be that at first glance. Yet, deepening the gloom, there is increasing concern that import-dependent exports such as apparel will take a hit from the plummeting rupee, resulting in the US$ 12 billion target being left unachieved.
Public servants are self-servants?
The title “public servant” is one that can be rarely used in Sri Lanka. Even though the country is home to over one million public servants, very few take the responsibility seriously enough to put the people before self.
Watch your words
There are times when making ridiculous statements seems to have become a profession among Sri Lanka’s politicians, but the latest crack by Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana takes the cake. The assumption that a measly sum of Rs. 7,500 is enough for a family of three to survive on is not just a gross understatement, but shows the complete lack of knowledge and empathy politicians have about the plight of the common man.
Forgotten history
Sri Lanka’s criminals are breaking new ground by targeting antique theft, if the incidents in the last few days are anything to go by.
Last week media were agog with reports of the discovery of the last king’s walking stick that was recovered as it was being sold to a dealer for Rs. 1 million. The distinctiveness of the special metal used to cast the stick as well as the embedding of gemstones into the body of the implement were some of the distinctive points that media reports dwelt on. If nothing else, this discovery should have been an indication that theft of national treasures has become the latest trend for criminals.
Flying smarter
Loss-making State-owned enterprises are nothing new in Sri Lanka. One of the better known ones is SriLankan Airlines, which was given to Emirates due to its inability to breakeven but was retaken by the present Government.
Pros and cons of this move is history but cash-strapped and a midst losses, it appears that the Government is pushing good money after bad in an attempt to make it repay its debt.
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