ONLY WAY OUT IS AN ALL-PARTY GOVT.: FORMER PRESIDENT SIRISENA

By Sandun A. Jayasekera   

The only rescue plan for Sri Lanka to use the IMF bailout package to salvage the country from the current political and socio-economic unrest is to form an all-party government and discuss the burning national issues with an inclusive trade union collective, the SLFP said.   

Former President Maithripala Sirisena told a news briefing at the party head office that the government must restart talking to all political parties represented in Parliament with the final objective of forming an all-party government. The government must also appoint a board of trade unionists who will represent farmers, the working class, public and private sector employees, doctors, the estate sector, engineers, University academics and all other professionals to discuss and reach to a consensus on the national issues and how to use the IMF bailout package for maximum benefit.   

The extended fund facility obtained by the government is not a bad thing. During the Yahapalana government, I also obtained a loan from the IMF. But we did not agree to all the conditions laid down by the global lender for Sri Lanka. The problem in hand with the government right now is the 15-point strict reform programme the government has undertaken to put in place. A cross-section of public and private sector employees are dead against certain conditions like the tax hike, selling of profit-making SOEs, clipping of the public service, and sharp increase of tariff of utility services etc., he added.   

The trade unions are adamantly saying that they would launch an indefinite trade union action and bring the entire country to a standstill unless the government does not bring down tax, power tariff, stop selling state assets and other unpopular reforms dictated by the IMF. The predicament of the government is that a review of the loan conditions is possible only after six months following the release of the first tranche of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of the IMF. The trade unions are not ready to remain in anticipation for such a long time, Mr. Sirisena noted.   
The Yahapalana government did not agree to all the conditions laid down by the IMF but negotiated prudently and obtain a loan. Whoever rules the country in future, that government will have to honour the conditions placed by the IMF for the current EFF, he said.   

The government is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, as two worrying parties are at two deep ends. That is why we propose to appoint an all-party government and start discussions with all trade unions,” Mr. Sirisena said.   

The SLFP is the first political party that proposed the all-party government last May to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Several rounds of discussions were held on the issue but fell by the wayside. If all agree, the all-party government must exclude those politicians in Parliament who have criminal, corruption or any other charges against them. The SLFP proposes an all-party government not to grab positions but with the sole purpose of retrieving the country and the nation from the current political and socio-economic mess, he emphasized.   
“I don’t blame those who launch protest campaigns, rallies and trade union action because a large majority of Sri Lankans are in dire straits. That is why the government must find a quick solution to pressing issues in the country. But the government cannot do that single-handedly. The government needs the support of all political parties and trade unions. I can’t see any other rescue plan than obtaining a loan from the IMF. The biggest benefit of the EFF offered by the global lender is the confidence created among the international lending agencies like the WB, ADB, JAICA, KOICA and donor countries putting an end to the mistrust on Sri Lanka,” he noted.