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Tuesday, 5 February 2019 01:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Uses Independence Day address to nation to declare all political leaders failed to develop SL
Says priority given to ethnic issue over economic growth but concedes reconciliation is a serious need
Opines failure to hold PC polls a threat to democracy
Disagrees with efforts to form national government, says it is against people’s wishes
Sees scarcity of honest politicians, acknowledges corruption has been hard to combat
Slams UNP and SLPP and MPs who threw chili at police in Parliament
Believes SL has opportunity to benefit from Asian growth
Better education, technology adaption, innovation but adherence to local values recipe for way forward
President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday during his Independence Day address made a string of political and economic observations focusing on development, fighting corruption, holding provincial council elections and criticised actions during the recent Constitutional crisis and moves by the United National Party (UNP) to establish a National Government.
Delivering his address to the nation to mark the 71st Independence Day, Sirisena took on several key issues and made fresh observations on past events. He noted that over the decades governments made up of different political parties had failed to develop the country and meet the aspirations of the people. He also pointed out many of them had failed to protect vulnerable communities.
“Whatever the reasons and whoever was responsible, we all, as political leaders have failed to bring about the economic development our country and the people expected for decades. The people of the country are no longer ready to continue in an economic recession while experimenting on economic development themes and rectifying errant ways. The political leaders who lead the country should be aware of this. Through that, the school education system, university education system, and fundamental reformations of the vocational and technological education should be made in tune with the international standards of the 21st century,” he said.
Moving onto politics, which made up the bulk of his address, Sirisena made an unexpected criticism of parliamentarians loyal to Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and their behaviour in Parliament during the Constitutional deadlock in November.
“Most of the governments which came to power destroyed the aspirations of the people. All of us know that the real institution of the people’s supremacy, the Parliament, has tarnished its image.
How maliciously the MPs took actions to throw chilli powder at police officers inside the chamber and also to bring a knife into the chamber and to destroy the resources used by the MPs that are maintained by funds of the people. At present the people see the Parliament as a mirror image which shows the deterioration of the society.”
“Every government spent their time to find solutions for the communal conflict. They gave priority to this issue. They attempted to find solutions. As a result of this, finding solutions for the economic crisis of the country was postponed. All gave priority for the ethnic issue.”
Sirisena also pulled no punches in his criticism of the UNP and noted that he does not agree with efforts to establish a national government, which would allow for Cabinet and Non-Cabinet positions to be expanded.
“We established Provincial Councils more than thirty years ago. Today, from annual Budget allocations to Provincial Councils, only 15% is left to development and capital funding. Of these, recurrent expenditure and maintenance costs is 85%. So, we need to act immediately to transform this upside down situation. I see the failure to hold Provincial Council elections for the last one and a half years as a challenge to democracy. Non-Government Organisations do not come forward to talk about that.”
“I see the proposal about a national government in the media. It is necessary to ask how ethical is to claim the formation of a national government by joining with a political party which has only a single Member of Parliament. I only see that as an attempt to increase the number of ministers and increase in the facilities of the ministers and MPs. From what I have seen in the media, I strongly disagree to the idea of proposed national government.”
He emphasised that expanding the Cabinet through the formation of a national government does not meet with the aspirations of the people and therefore should not be a focus. He advocated that politicians should instead focus on their responsibilities and duties to the country rather than what they would get out of holding public office.
“If the number of ministers is reduced to 25 with a single party running a government, as I believe it, is the wish of the people. Before questioning the duties and responsibilities that should be accomplished by the country for you, it is necessary to think about the duties that should be accomplished by you on behalf of the country. ‘What will we get?’ or ‘What we will receive?’ are questions asked by most. But everybody knows that the most essential thing is to accomplish the duties and responsibilities on behalf of the nation.”
Sirisena contended that Sri Lanka needs governance that is clean and focused on long term gains for development.
“Today, what we need is not fraudulent pretension of serving the people, but a clear and far-sighted clean governance. In our common vision, we have to protect our indigenous values and be cable of winning over the challenges of today’s reality of globalisation.”
“In addition, since 2015, we completely removed the fear that was prevalent in the country. We won that situation. How difficult it is to remove corruption? I see a scarcity of honest politicians. Therefore, on the 71st national independent day, we must determine to make Sri Lanka a powerful and prosperous nation in Asia that cannot be undermined.”
Concentrating on a green economy and elimination of poverty, a stronger Parliament and better election system, more advanced education system and skilled public officials were among what he thought was needed for Sri Lanka to prosper.
“We must be determined to build a prosperous and harmonious nationhood and also build a superior economy in Sri Lanka. Therefore, we need to build a green economy that will contribute to eliminate poverty. We need to introduce a system of checks and balances and a mechanism that strengthens parliament to eliminate political anarchy through a proper election system. Furthermore, introducing the skills required for the state governance is very essential.”
All political leaders have failed to bring about economic development: President
