The National People’s Power (NPP) headed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake won 159 seats in a landslide victory at the recently concluded parliamentary elections.
The outcome of the election has vital political implications for Sri Lanka. This historic win gives the NPP a clear majority.
The NPP’s strong majority in Parliament gives the NPP the power to pass legislation without depending on coalition partners for support. This could pave the way for significant and much- needed economic reform.
The NPP’s sweeping victory could be attributed to its growing popularity across the country.
It also signifies the rejection of other major political parties by the electorate at large, which is evident in the NPP’s victory across the country, even in ethnic minority dominated constituencies.
Demographic observations show the diverse support base of the NPP, with the party doing well in both urban as well as rural areas. The party was able to muster the support of the youth and also many first-time voters as well.
Women representation
Distinctly the polls also had a record number of women being elected to Parliament. Parliament will have 21 women members during this term including a woman Premier.
Most of the MPS who were elected are highly qualified professionals, which give the new Government the opportunity to implement policies more professionally and efficiently.
However, the NPP has inherited a sluggish and debt-ridden economy, though it has been showing signs of recovery.
The new Government will have to chart out a roadmap to revitalise and put the economy on a fast-track growth path.
There will be pressure to show sparks of progress fast to build confidence across all sections of stakeholders in the economy and governance. These could be some pointers on the way forward.
Diversify economic sectors – The Government must reduce its dependence on the select few traditional sectors and diversify the economy to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.
Promote manufacturing enterprises – Sri Lanka has been dependant on tourism and allied sectors to a large extent which affected its foreign exchange earnings during and after the Corona pandemic.
Export-oriented manufacturing which could also cater to domestic consumption and provide for import substitution will propel the economy and also provide employment in the industrial sector.
Improve food security – A boost to the agriculture, fisheries and dairy sector will lead to self-sufficiency in domestic consumption and reduce the import burden for food products. Modernisation of these sectors will also improve the rural economy and create opportunities in the rural sector.
Local area development – Planning of smart towns and SME hubs in districts across the country could provide a fillip to tourism and local industry. This will also facilitate retention of local talent and reduce migration to the urban areas for want of job opportunities.
Tourism and service sector
This is an area that should be promoted fast so that more foreign currency would flow into the country.
A focused global marketing campaign that targets new countries is important. Since most of the countries are now resorting to free ‘On arrival visas’, the Government should implement the proposal to offer free visas to 36 countries.
The service sectors with shipping and logistics, bunkering and ship repairing is another key area that Sri Lanka could get an increase in foreign exchange. For foreign exchange earnings to increase, the expansion o f the Port is paramount and must be speeded up.
Digitisation – Sri Lanka can make its citizen services and administration more efficient by digitising and adapting e-governance initiatives.
Time delays and red tape
This will also reduce time delays and red tape, corruption while improving the image of the Government. e-governance will help implement tax reform and enhance revenue collection effectively.
These are some reforms that could vitalise the economy, reduce debt levels, create opportunities for all sections of society and pave the way forward for long-term sustainability.
Policy makers could do well to examine various success stories of similar efforts in neighbouring India.
Companies in Sri Lanka could engage in similar projects, while taking advantage of available trade agreements including the latest in Thailand from January 2024.
The NPP Government has a clear task ahead, to draft and implement policies which will reap long- term benefits.
It will also have to address opposition party concerns of authoritarianism and dominance in Parliament.
The NPP will have to play a key role in robust nation building in a manner that is transparent and accountable.
The writer is an international relations consultant and a research scholar in Strategic studies at the University of Madras.
