The Sri Lankan economy, with the worst ever crisis, is nearing a likely shutdown. Yet, both politicians in all political parties and the majority of the general public have seemingly not realised the gravity of the situation. As on many previous occasions, so-called advisors, who are known as intellectuals, keep on presenting contradictory opinions to the nation without any solid action.
This confusing disparity between these advisors was seen in issues such as the chemical fertilizer ban, IMF engagement in the economy, and many other national issues.
The irony is that most of these opinions are politically biased, and at any given time, a fraction of the general public either agrees or disagrees.
The appointment of a business magnate, one of the most successful businessmen in the country, as the Minister of Investment Promotion has been applauded by the majority of the general public, with some resistance from some of the political parties.
However, so far, no stiff resistance has come from left-wing political parties, a good starting sign for the new minister.
Despite his lack of political experience, the new minister has demonstrated that he is an excellent administrator in addition to his entrepreneurial abilities.
The Minister keeps painting an extremely hopeful and cheerful short-term picture for the masses. Obviously, in his capacity as a business executive, he may have done enough homework and may have figured out the numbers. Hence, the public must allow him ample time to perform and prove his greatness. Surely, he must be aware that the public wrath will fall on him if he fails.
According to the report released by the Department of Census and Statistics, the economic growth rate for the first quarter of 2022 has been estimated as negative 1.6 percent, which is alarming under any circumstance.
Exports
Although the country’s overall exports show steady growth, other foreign exchange earning sectors such as expatriate revenues and tourism have not recovered since the Covid-19 fiasco. In particular, the cushion provided by tourism earnings will continue to deteriorate if a solution is not found immediately for the fuel and gas shortages. Even other traditional export sectors such as garments, tea, rubber, coconuts and other traditional exports are in grave danger with the ongoing fuel shortage. The Government will be at extreme risk unless a viable answer to the fuel crisis is found.
Although the government with the new premier initially pledged international economic support, nothing tangible has been provided so far except promises. It is obvious that the country needs immediate international assistance to meet its essential needs.
However, despite popular political statements, substantial foreign assistance has not been received as yet. Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance seems to be delayed, and the time frame for receiving funds into the state coffers is uncertain as yet. Apparently, the IMF is taking time because of the unsteady conditions prevailing in the country’s political scenario.
Unfortunately, instead of offering a solution to the ongoing crisis, every single political party, including Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Sri Lankan Freedom Party (SLFP), Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB), and even the newly formed 43rd Brigade, is clearly vying for power.
Ironically, the leader of the SJB was the first choice of President Rajapaksa to form a Government at the initial stage immediately after the former prime minister and his Cabinet resigned.
Currently, he unjustifiably opposes every move by the incumbent Government and demands support to form a new government now, a few weeks after losing the opportunity. Sadly, however, when he was offered the job on a platter, he refused to accept it, citing petty reasons.
The irony, however, is that none of them presents a clear road map to the country on how they would solve current national issues. Instead, all of these opposition parties publicly declare that they will pull the country out of danger in a short time without offering concrete evidence.
What is important to the general public is how they do it rather than getting cheated again on empty promises, as has customarily happened on many previous occasions. Only the alliance of nine parties shows some type of compromise on forming an all-party alliance temporarily until an election is called as soon as possible.
Thus far, none of the opposition political parties has unanimously agreed to form an alliance for the sake of the citizenry.
The almost dysfunctional economy at this moment needs international assistance more than ever. When an economy becomes weaker than usual, the overall functionality of a country diminishes drastically.
The most important aspect of seeking foreign assistance is the political stability of the country. This is a common prerequisite of any lending institution in the world. The IMF, World Bank, or any other lending institution will not move forward if political stability is not established in the country properly. Unfortunately, this is precisely the factor that politicians and some public groups manipulated by politicians fail to recognise.
Acts such as trade union protests and strikes do not help at this moment. Ordinary citizens do not realise the gravity of such actions, and they support such acts, justifiably, as they are annoyed and vehemently angry with the current administration.
Dubious political parties with opportunistic agendas incite these innocent bystanders and manipulate them to engage in disruptive vandalism.
The vast majority of these people are public servants who draw uninterrupted monthly salaries and enjoy other free perks. They knowingly involve themselves in protests and strikes where ordinary citizens become victims. Such acts cost a colossal amount of money that the country cannot afford right now.
Considering all the facts and figures, Sri Lanka drastically needs a non-partisan administration on a temporary basis to come out of the current deep pit. Deep down, any sane and rational politician knows that this is a mathematical certainty.
Nevertheless, at this point, none of them seems ready to accept it for the sake of the country. As in any country, the vast majority of Sri Lankan politicians are power-hungry, self-centred, and sly individuals whose priorities are themselves and their kith and kin.
Parliament
Also, it is abundantly clear that the political parties repeatedly declare that they can provide solutions if the ruling power is given to them in Parliament. Nevertheless, none will have a chance to form a government with a majority in the present situation without forming an alliance.
None of the parties, including the incumbent Government, will have a slight chance if an all-party alliance is not formed.
Judging by the past behaviour of Sri Lankan politicians, it is a cinch that there will be plenty of infighting for the leadership and other senior positions in such an alliance.
Nevertheless, the opinion of most of the knowledgeable citizenry is that the most appropriate move at this crucial time is to be united and form an interim government with the participation of all political parties and perhaps with the assistance of conscious social groups. The political stability required by the international community could only be achieved through such a move.
The old adage, “United we stand, divided we fall”, a phrase used by many different world leaders time and again in times of crisis, is the best national motto for Sri Lanka. Inspiring unity and collaboration among the divided Sri Lankan citizenry is perhaps the most important national need at this time.
Instead of splitting the already suffering people in the country, all political parties must stand together to face the challenge.
If the immediate national issues such as fuel shortages and scarcity of essential food and medicine can be successfully addressed on a short-term plan, moving the nation towards a collective common goal will not be a miracle.