83rd Birth Anniversary Commemoration of Late Lalith Athulathmudali Right man for right job; was Lalith’s winning feature

A Chance to Change

Yet another Presidential Election is over. The voter turnout as well as the massive quantum of votes secured by the winner have baffled both the winning and the losing parties. But this is no surprise. Sri Lankans approach any election with deep emotions. People expect a different kind of leader. They have expressed their desire to have many positive changes. There are many expectations from the newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. How do we move forward? How can we have a better administration are the key questions at hand. 

Straight Arrow

Let’s not forget that in 2015; the regime that was apparently rejected by the people, according to so many reasons were fundamentally absolute power and impunity. In 2019, people have placed their utmost faith in the winner as someone who can put things rights. We must not forget that the people did not vote in the same regime. And it would be a mistake to allow the same law makers to get back to their old tricks. I have learnt from Lalith Athulathmudali that it is very important to understand the people’s wishes and to deliver upon them. People voted for a ‘straight arrow’ and it is time to deliver. 

Appointments

We were quite pleased to see P. B. Jayasundara and S. R. Attygalle being appointed to key Secretarial posts. These are indeed learned men with years of experience. We need such administrators to make systems work. Now the challenge is not to appoint people just because they have supported in the campaign but to appoint the right people who can do the job. It is also heartening that the 19th Amendment ensures that the President would not hold any Ministerial portfolios. For one reason we never had a Secretary to the President who was an absolute all-rounder who could manage all the affairs of different ministries. Now the President can keep an eye on all the portfolios. For this, the President needs a good team. One winning feature of Late Athulathmudali is that he always consulted the experts on the subject. This is needed very much if the country is to progress. 

One winning feature of Late Athulathmudali is that he always consulted the experts on the subject 

Government in place

There have been many references about a caretaker government, but the fact is that this is the same government people voted for in August 2015 and it is the government Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa has been wanting , the only difference being it is a minority government. Unlike what we witnessed with the Joint Opposition, which was obstructing any and every attempt of the government, here is a chance for the opposition to work with the present government for the greater good of the country. The next three to four months are ideal to plan new things with the government. 

Systems and Regulations

Time and again I have raised this point that structural changes to existing systems are really needed. Good plans were in the manifestoes of many of the candidates and it will do no harm to implement them. For example, a Presidential candidate stated that there will be no “luxury” vehicles for ministers and deputy ministers. This is an idea that can be implemented by keeping a ceiling limit for such vehicle allocations. If President Gotabaya is keen to put things right, this could be the beginning. 

Time and again I have raised this point that structural changes to existing systems are really needed. Good plans were in the manifestoes of many of the candidates and it will do no harm to implement them

Fight Corruption

It is no secret that the people are sick of corrupt politicians. But bringing them to book under the civil laws has been next to impossible. There must be a separate law for the politicians if they breach the systems and the law of the land. Especially for those who stoop to corruption there has to be a legal process that will move fast. The normal laws need not apply because members of parliament are enjoying privileges on account of the public. Many decades ago, Sirimavo Bandaranaike brought in the Criminal Justice System to expedite the process. This was an excellent move. Is the President willing to bring in such a system? Are the law makers willing to make laws that would keep “them” in check? 

Good Governance

Although it was not an election promise, there is added value in following principles of good governance. First and foremost, this country needs some standards when appointing people to public office. One aspect that should be pursued is an age limit. The next is a transparent system to appoint people. 

Finance

It’s no secret we have insufficient Income to run this country. We have been borrowing for years and the burden of debt is mounting. There must be a limit to borrowing. But more than that the Leadership should take conscientious efforts to cut costs and avoid unwanted expenditure. If the President is willing to cut costs, no one will oppose. If he can prevent senior politicians from travelling with huge entourages here and overseas, he might be upsetting a few, but the people will applaud him.   

The duty free permits have now become a source of income. If the President can get a panel of experts to look into how best this can be managed that would be a step in the right direction. The vehicles can ideally belong to the Government Supplies Dept and can be allocated to Members of Parliament. At the end of the period, it can be returned or bought at market value. 

Foreign Policy

There are inherent issues with the international community. Ever since the end of the war fingers have been pointed at Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes and human rights violations. Previous governments managed to address some of these issues. Our international relations therefore, has to be very professional. Insulting world leaders and turning our backs on international treaties will not work well for a small country like ours. We must be smart to get the support of all countries. For this we need Diplomats who are professionals. Time after time, Ambassadors have been appointed based on political allegiance and many of them only have served themselves. 

It is no secret that the people are sick of corrupt politicians. But bringing them to book under the civil laws has been next to impossible

Need of a statesman

For years we have felt the lacuna of a statesmen leading this country. The only statesman that Sri Lanka ever saw was Late JR Jayewardene. He was the ideal person for the role. One could not meet him unless he summoned you. He was in a superior position but he had command over everything. He was able to be independent in all his state duties. Over the years we have seen that the post of Executive Presidency as well as his/her official abode have become a place for anyone and everyone to enter. It has unfortunately lost its prestige and value.   
This is such an opportunity to have a statesman rule the country. Already President Gotabaya has shown many signs of putting the house in order. Requesting not to put up his photo in government offices, attempting to reduce the number of ministries are impressive moves. Remembering how the state and private media violated the Elections guidelines and the Elections Commissioner’s words ‘these frequencies belong to the people’, another good move to make the media truly a people’s power. If not it would give more rise to social media and fake news to emerge. Similarly, if the President could seriously consider appointing committees and establishing transparent system to grant Presidential Pardons to convicts, his popularity will grow for certain. We hope that he would not be swayed by ‘yes men’ and would deliver on his promises. While I congratulate him for his resounding victory and being elected the seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka, I hope he would always remember that he is accountable, not to the party, or to the clergy or to everyone who rallied round him, but to the people of this country who genuinely placed their trust in him.