Yet another New Year?

POST-war Sri Lanka has entered yet another New Year and come May, the nation will be celebrating three full years since the end of the conflict or fight against terrorism.

The Chief Executive of the country President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message to the nation on New Year sounded emphatic: “Embracing all the victories we have achieved, we should step forward as a resurgent nation,” was his call. He assured: “This progress will be expedited by forging a political tradition that is based on new thinking.”

He also spoke of a new vision. “As we build a new country for the future by working together in thought and deed, I call upon you to come forward with great resolve and fresh expectations,” the President said.

His message is commendable and has the characteristic valour. The Daily FT in Pages 18 and 19 features a range of opinions from a good cross section of private sector and professional community as to what they think Sri Lanka should prioritise in 2012.

The list may appear exhaustive, but certainly not complete, as Sri Lanka, unfortunately, continues to be crippled with several perennial issues that remain ignored or lack effective action by all concerned. Some key challenges identified are nothing new either, but the fact that business leaders renewed the call is an apt reminder that as a country we have failed to address these issues.

Whilst it is true that terrorism was the single-most factor that destroyed Sri Lanka’s past and prevented the country from reaping its full potential, the check list of priorities for 2012 reinforces the fact that several issues other than terrorism remain a threat to Sri Lanka's future, unless resolved.

There were frequent calls soon after the war ended in May 2009 that Sri Lanka needs to focus on winning the economic war. While there has been encouraging progress on that front, such as the consistent 7 or 8% economic growth on a quarterly basis, given the complexities of the global crisis and Sri Lanka’s own challenges, a greater and more concerted effort is required.

The Government needs to not only genuinely champion but also ensure lasting peace, reconciliation and rebuilding in former conflict areas. It needs to improve the policy framework, good governance and foster democracy. The public sector can no longer lean on excuses from improving facilitation and efficiency. The private sector for its part shouldn’t wait any longer for things to happen either; it should instead create, if not harness, opportunities of growth.

Post-war, there is an emergence of new businesses and globally the recession has resulted in the same as well. The country needs to be alert constantly on the economic intelligence front, like we were on the military sphere when battling terrorism. Razor sharp execution, proactive mindsets and bold initiatives are needed on all fronts.

Whilst many concede that the high growth of late had been a natural outcome of the end of the war phenomena, it cannot be guaranteed that the country will continue to benefit on the ‘feel good factor’ alone. This is more so in a world that is wrought with recession, multiple crises and natural calamities.

With a new year ahead, it is time for the country including the Government and the private sector to take a sincere look within and ask themselves: “Can’t we do better?” Then it is time to get down to doing it, rather than waiting any longer. In this fast-paced era of technological advancement where rapid value creation in billions takes place every second, three years is a considerable time period.

We all know Sri Lanka can succeed, but true success lies in doing it faster and better in everything we do, so that the country emerges as a model global citizen with true peace and prosperity.