2024 – A Challenging Year: From Drugs & Elections To A Hung Parliament?

Starting the New Year on a positive note is the commendable achievement of Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe over the past eighteen months that have been praised by former CB Governor Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy, who is a distinguished former Governor in the caliber of John Exter [1951-53], the first to hold this important position.

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has highlighted at a media briefing that the ongoing IMF program, initiated last September involves continual renegotiation before each disbursement for the next four years, independent of the ruling government. He further stated that this flexibility allows policy adjustments crucial for securing international backing, enabling adaptable economic strategies aligned with global changes essential for stability and growth. Deviating from this path during the critical 10-year debt restructuring period could impact debt relief decisions, potentially leading to annual US$ 6 billion in debt repayments, if support is withdrawn. This is an indisputable reality that any future government should take into
serious consideration.

High Cost Of Living

The persistent challenges posed are the alarming prevalence of malnutrition among school children coupled with the crisis of the staggering rise in the cost of living which has surged by a daunting 60 percent for the average family. This financial strain has led to dire consequences, with approximately one-fourth of schoolchildren lacking access to necessities. 
A crucial step in this direction involves the restoration of the unjustly withdrawn Senior Citizen’s special rate of interest on Fixed Deposits (the worst affected being non-pensioners). This step is imperative to ensure financial stability and support for this vulnerable age group. The absence of adequate care for the elderly compounds the challenges faced by young parents striving to prioritize their children’s nutrition and education. As they navigate the complexities of daily life, the lack of proper support systems further exacerbates their struggle.

Law Enforcement Against Drug Menace

In the midst of a robust Police campaign against the narcotic trade, the chief operator’s appointment as the ‘acting’ Inspector General of Police has faced a legal challenge in the Supreme Court. The petitioners allege an infringement of the fundamental rights guaranteed to the petitioners and other citizens under Article 12(1) of the Constitution. The authorities [Police Commission or the Minister] have failed in their foremost duty in respecting the recommendations of an earlier FR case judgement against the Acting IGP. 

In an extensive 14-day operation code-named ‘Yukthiya’, the Police have apprehended over 20,000 suspects, and over thousand ‘wanted’ men, making it the largest suppression in history.  However, he is not the only senior cop who can launch a similar programme against narcotics. Accusations aimed at it by critiques [probably those lucky men whose children survived addiction], cite contentious areas: Can a male Policeman search the handbag of a suspected woman? Is the language used during Police operations justified? Despite their seemingly trivial nature, these arguments raise unsettling doubts about the motives behind such inquiries. They might suggest the involvement of powerful forces supporting the drug trade, although this might not be the case. These individuals might strongly advocate for Human Rights of offenders; they are concerned about overcrowded prisons, etc., but such individuals seem perplexed when it comes to understanding the lack of respect for the rights of unfortunate drug addicts, their families and other citizens indirectly affected by the escalating number of thefts and house breaking. It depicts a scenario where smaller players face repercussions while influential large scale dealers evade scrutiny. When debates like these arise without clear resolutions, it often sparks speculation about hidden motives or vested interests in protecting drug barons. 

In prosecutions against top offenders, the situation often pits a Police officer, with qualifications akin to A/Levels, against highly skilled legal luminaries like President’s Counsels who hold positions in the professional associations and charge fees in the range of around three to five hundred thousand rupees per appearance. This discrepancy leaves law enforcement ill-equipped to effectively contend with such opponents in legal proceedings against the culprits. We acknowledge the lawyers right and duty to defend accused individuals in courts.  It’s immoral for the Police higher ups or the Minister to comment on this right, or raise irrelevant issues like, do they issue receipts, pay taxes, or utilize fees obtain from drug kingpins for feeding their children. Even rushing to courts to complain of notorious drug criminal Harak Kata not being provided with short eats for his snacks is quite ‘legal’ and nobody can make ‘unfair criticism’ against these senior lawyers. 

Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has highlighted that the ongoing IMF program initiated last September involves continual renegotiation before each disbursement for the next four years, independent of the ruling government. Deviating from this path during the critical 10-year debt restructuring period could impact debt relief decisions, potentially leading to annual US$ 6 billion in debt repayments, if support is withdrawn. This is an indisputable reality that any future government should take into serious consideration

Elections, Priority- System Change Forgotten?

It sounds like there’s a great deal of frustration and disillusionment within the political scene. The Galle Face Aragalayists achieved great heights in working towards a System Change.  It’s disheartening to note that this effort was derailed or hijacked by the JVP and its breakaway group for their own agendas. Subsequently the Pohottu thugs completed the initiative by attacking the non-violent apolitical Aragalayists.
Corruption and the misuse of power have further complicated matters, creating a cycle that seems difficult to break. However, while it might seem discouraging, a change can still happen. It often requires persistence, collective effort, and the will to hold those in power accountable. Engaging in constructive dialogue, supporting ethical leaders, and advocating for transparent governance are crucial steps toward bringing about the desired changes.

All Four Major Political Parties In Dilemmas

The secret discussions between SJB leader and a breakaway faction of the former staunch Rajapaksa loyalist group of dissents styled Nidahas Sabhava consisting of MPs who jumped the sinking ship in 2022, failed miserably to garner the mass support base of the Pohottu voters, and are in a dilemma. The secret agreement has raised concerns among the second line leadership in the SJB, after the unconfirmed social media news of Prof GL being assured of the Premiership in a future government by Sajith Premadasa. Dr. Harsha De Silva, a prominent figure within the SJB and a key economist, has expressed a different position directly contradicting his party leader’s stance. His statements suggest a belief in the necessity of moving away from inward-looking, populist, and unsustainable economic policies. Specifically, he emphasizes the importance of not shying away from unpopular decisions such as tax increases, citing the potential consequences of previous tax cuts leading to bankruptcy.  

It’s a waste of time and space to discuss SLPP dilemmas. The UNP of course is struggling to reap the support of a major group that is on the fence to crossover from the SJB, but hasn’t been successful, and are facing a similar situation to their last Parliamentary stakes. It appears that the political landscape is leaning towards the NPP/JVP Combine. While they’re gaining momentum, there seems to be a lack of a clear governing plan or strategy. Pressures from intellectual groups outside the main JVP component are causing rifts, leading to discussions about Dr Harini Amarasuriya potentially becoming the Presidential candidate for the alliance. A Parliamentary Election preceding the Presidential Election, could lead to a HUNG Parliament, and back to square one in 2024. 

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