A ‘to do’ list for 2013

What fortunes will 2013 bring for Sri Lanka? Many are the expectations, but there are more than a few elements that the Government and the people need to get right before real development will become a reality.

On a macro level, there is the ever-present need to promote democracy, good governance, and law and order. The importance of the latter can hardly be overstated in a country that is burdened by high levels of corruption and crime. The culture of impunity with which the powerful achieve their agendas at the cost of the rest of the country needs to be corrected through urgent reforms.

Perhaps the overarching concern is the state of law and order, which is routinely flouted and undermined with very serious results. As the outrages grow, so too does the opportunity for violence that can send respected institutions such as the Judiciary teetering. A range of malaise including corruption, minority suppression, crime levels and economic inefficiency can be traced back to failed law systems. Thus protecting and promoting justice becomes the biggest challenge for 2013.

On the political front, there is still the need to find a political solution to the ethnic issue and credibly implement the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations. The recent incidents in Jaffna that resulted in the arrest and ‘rehabilitation’ of four students without trial and due procedure are clear indications that the wounds created from three decades of war are far from healed. Finding ways to promote reconciliation on the ground and use genuine measures to steer Sri Lanka through the impending morass of United Nation meetings and maintain the country’s reputation among the international community will remain a battle ground for the Government.

Economically, exports will be hard hit as the Eurozone and US continue to fight recession. In the first 11 months, exports dropped by 6.6%, creating a lower platform from which to stage a comeback. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), long-term finance, human resource development, cost of living, and balancing loans with GDP growth are all skirmishes that the country will have to fight in the New Year.

While the Government has made inroads in improving the business climate, increasing tourism and remittances the charge to growth beyond 7% is tenuous. Moreover, the recent floods that followed close on the heels of a drought will have an impact in 2013.

Given the potential of peace displayed in 2009, Sri Lanka clearly has the capacity to do much more.

The social dimension is deeply affected by the political and economic negatives, with many people still struggling to rise to a higher standard of living. Equitable and sustainable growth continues to be a mirage, despite statistical boasts of poverty dropping to eight per cent. Millions of people, especially in the north and east, as well as other impoverished areas of the island, are struggling to tap into viable economic opportunities. This is linked with inadequate and substandard education, including lack of technical training and entrepreneurship, which is having a debilitating effect on youth. As an ageing society, Sri Lanka is also yet to establish frameworks to deal with this impending problem.

With such a long list, it is essential that all stakeholders prioritise the needs of the country to make 2013 memorable for the right reasons.