Friday, 21  March 2003  
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Tiding over emergencies

With tensions further intensifying in the Gulf, many a Lankan heart is going out to the numerous local migrant workers in the Middle East who would now have to grapple with a whole host of imponderables. Apparently, not many Lankans are employed in Iraq itself but a considerable number of them are employed in Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring countries which could be expected to be affected by a war in the Gulf. Their safety should be a prime concern for the State and for the people of this country.

Fortunately, the Government has taken cognizance of this requirement. We have it on the authority of Employment and Labour Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe that every possible step has been taken to evacuate some 500,000 Lankan expatriate workers in the Middle East, to "safe areas" with the help of Lankan missions in the region. The Minister was quoted saying that safe houses are being run by the Government in countries such as Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia for the enhancement of these workers' security.

Besides the provision of these facilities and security measures, evacuation plans should also be envisaged for these workers in the event of the war having grave spillover effects. It would be best for the State to be prepared for serious humanitarian crises although we hope fervently that there would be no prolonged suffering for anyone.

Meanwhile, we welcome the presentation of the Articles and Services (Regulation and Maintenance) Bill in Parliament, aimed at ensuring that the essential needs of the people are met at a time of war. Stepped-up military action in the Gulf is certain to have a disruptive impact on many economies in the region and it is best that we prepare for hard times rather than be taken unawares by emergencies, particularly on the food supply front.

Food shortages need to be anticipated and the necessary measures taken to ensure that essential commodities are stocked and rationed, if necessary. We hope the new regulations would ensure the fulfilment of these conditions and provide for the efficient running of local food supply systems.

There is every possibility of unscrupulous traders cashing-in on situations of this kind to ensure self-enrichment. Times of hardship invariably turn out to be opportunities for hoarding and for earning a fast buck by the more parasitic of businessmen. It is upto the authorities to guard against such dangers.

Law enforcement must be stringent enough to contain and minimise these malpractices. Dishonest trading practices need to be eliminated through the toughest law and order measures.

It is also a time for less ostentatious living. Waste and expenditure over inessentials need to be curbed in both the public and private sectors. Individual lifestyles of the affluent and the more privileged should, ideally, take on an austere complexion out of consideration for the hardships suffered by the majority of the people of Lanka who are poor.

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