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Executive presidency and the peace process

by Oscar E.V. Fernando

Voters have given their clear verdict. President still retains her constitutional powers, a matter that should have been reckoned with before trivialities against her were discussed at cabinet level, much to the disenchantment of the then Prime Minister and some Ministers, as per my comments in the CDN of 1-8-02.

However, now there is a rush to abolish the Presidency opined by some as a constitutional or un-constitutional maneuver.

Various motivations are imputed to this, but let us hope that the referendum needed for this will coincide with that needed to co-opt to the constitution the final outcome of the peace process, with the consensus of all minorities. It would then be a more economical exercise for poverty stricken Sri Lanka.

The peace process could start from the point left off by the then Prime Minister with a bonus of 5.7billion dollar aid down the pipeline that was on the brink of being utilized for development of north, south, east and west.

Let there be no mistake this time around, where the voters of the south would feel (some with green eyes), that peace dividends are only to the northeast, what with A9, the library, pongu thamil and other shouts of hoorah, and nothing to the south.

Added to this was a paper demanding an almost eelam, that was to be discussed, but construed politically as having been agreed upon by the government.

Priority being given by the donors for rehabilitation of a war devastated north, accompanied with hoots and jeers to the Norwegians and burning of an effigy of a potential donor official in the south, notwithstanding!

Allowing this trend of thought to ferment without proper political strategy to the contrary was probably the biggest election blunder of the previous regime, and this may not be repeated by this regime, in deed, need not be, if only the tap is turned to get the aid awaiting to flow down from the pipe line.

Alas, sincerity is not the only criterion in politics but effective articulation is seen to be of the essence!

The peace process now may not need those cameras, international jaunts etc! But it has to be restarted with utmost priority. This will be the magic formula for those promised thousands odd jobs and increase of salaries, before terror strikes again.

It does not take much to realize that any other course of action, such as provision of unproductive jobs in the public sector, bank borrowing etc, would only cause inflation, high prices of commodities and the consequent vicious cycle that is bound to follow.

Economy

Will the present government in partnership with purported communists bring in;

(a) A nationalized economy that prevailed in now failed communist states.

(b) A mixed economy that was pursued by the then government in the period 1970 to 1977 in Sri Lanka.

(c) A completely liberalized economy that will bring about a high risk of inflation if it is stifled in between with state ventures and one that will lead to unbridled capitalism.

(d) A private sector oriented economy with state regulatory mechanisms.

Unfortunately today it would appear that some politicians elected to the Parliament want to go back to the bullock cart era by dabbling in history, refusing to accept aid from those imperialists who invaded us, and hoping to receive funding from other friendly nations. It is best that it be declared early as to what this type of funding is. Do they think of investments from these countries?

If so, it has to be categorically stated that investments will not be forthcoming without infrastructure development. It is interesting to know which international banking establishment, other than the World Bank and IMF with probable waivers and soft loans gives us aid for infrastructure development on interest as low as 4 percent or even less?

Whatever their ulterior motives may be, and if there is no alternative, it is up to us to use such funds wisely, and perhaps beat them to it the way our neighbour India appears to be doing. But to get this aid, and then put a bull and a donkey to pull the cart of the economy, will only sink the cart further down in the quagmire of indebtedness.

It is best that people are told what a state regulated private sector economy means. The state should not have any stake in the management by way of holding a share of its capital.

The regulatory mechanisms could be non- commercial institutions that lay down broad principles as to geographic areas for setting up enterprises on the basis of ethnic and other economic considerations, and avoid monopolistic tendencies leading to unbridled capitalism.

State has to undertake some inevitable functions such as research and other functions that the government together with experts on the field must define and implement. These are just some among many other non-commercial matters that may come under state regulatory mechanisms.

Having decided as to who will give us aid, and if it were to be the World Bank, it is best for the world bank, the IMF and the government, to give serious thought as to take all possible means to aid the poor and the displaced educated labour during an interim period of privatization from state ventures, and to trim as far as possible unwanted extravagance among the rich and the powerful in society which appear to raise its ugly head.

An appeal has to be made to the World Bank not to make this another Argentina. Let all concerned see the writing on the wall, well and clear.

The World Bank and any government implementing their proposals should be pragmatic on this sensitive issue. In the alternative, the remedy so proposed will be worse than the anticipated cure, and in this interim period, terrorism that is vowed to be stamped out by the World Bank is bound to sprout. The last election results produced in Sri Lanka was a clear indication.

Peace Council

The plea for a Peace Council co-chaired by Chandrika Kumaratunge and Ranil Wickremesingha is reiterated here in the context of the political ratio in Parliament, as well as the charisma of both locally and internationally.

As stated earlier in my article, (CDN 24th Jan 2004) the Peace Council may be a-political, pending a final decision of its outcome by Parliament and the people at a referendum, and also the Ministry of Defense resorted to if and when necessary. Due to the various ramifications to this vexed problem, could we not have a representative each from India, Japan and Norway co-opted to the Peace Council?

At any rate, let this country not get back to war that was very emphatically stalled by the former PM. The hornets nest was roused when the LTTE purposely and shockingly stalled the Peace Process.

The hornets started buzzing a little at that time, and now we see them buzzing heavily in one part of the country, and let us hope it will not filter into the rest of the country and start stinging us as was done in the now forgotten, or obliterated recent past.

Governing with JVP

The fact that this energetic and enthusiastic band of Sinhala youth took to the democratic way of life is praiseworthy. We have heard murmurings of the JVP that they will consider private enterprise. Their leader was heard to say they are willing to move with the times and not stick to dogmatic practices. Here lies a vast potential to be tapped by any leader.

Also, on the other hand, the JVP, now leaning towards private economy, has to realize that they are now on the playing field and not in the stadium, and that in turn, needs much experience. Should they not first consider being understudy to some of these experienced politicians who have been battered and weather beaten on the playing field? Few can lead without first being led.

Any person thinking so, could be considered presumptuous to say the least. Incidentally it is good for those contending to be Ministers to know that one does not have to be a doctor to be the Minister of Health! Humility is a good beginning in the political chess game and an amateur in politics must be able to adapt to any offer given by the leader, show his mettle, and contend for any desired ministry thereafter.

History and fundamental rights

We also saw that reading out the JVPs past history proved to be a futile exercise. But then this was only modern history. This leads to the futility of dwelling in ancient, medieval or modern history. History is good to know about our selves and dwelling on it will not bring bread to the table, but could certainly lead to shedding of blood on the streets. The invasions by the Portuguese Dutch and the British, some of which were marauding, are stark facts of history in Sri Lanka.

Africans being brought to America as slaves by the Americans is a stark fact in American history. All said and done, the present progeny of these slaves, oblivious to this history, would expect the American government elected by the people for the people, to be dutiful towards them, who have been born and bred in that country due to no fault of theirs.

They in turn would expect to press for their just rights, but of course expecting that the shadow (a relative term in a global context) of the majority may fall on them.

It is seen that Americans are painfully accepting this truth and we see that the greatest power on earth cannot keep this spirit down. Passing of legislation without recognizing this fundamental concept would never stifle the spirit of any community. It will only serve to soar the spirits to greater heights.

Let us also accept the stark fact that these marauding invaders caused much harm to, and stifled the culture and civilization of Sri Lanka. Taking proper corrective action is imperative and this overdue matter has to be inculcated in childhood. We see the ludicrously contrary situation today, in that whilst many concerned are attempting to pass legislation on this matter, history as a separate subject is removed from the school curriculum!

However, It is prudent for the present regime to take note of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

We are fully aware of the nuisance caused by some fundamentalists in spreading their beliefs, but we also opine that much care will have to be taken in framing legislation on this score.

Parliament and legislation

Can this vulgar display of disorder in Parliament be rectified by pressing for legislation or by a sobering presence in it? They were once a scandalous shock to children of some schools! Could we curb drunkenness and changing of ones faith with legislation? Should these not be exercises at grass roots level, inculcating values to children in a language they understand.

Should not all civic minded people especially religious dignitaries band themselves in amity groups to first and foremost educate those entering Parliament with core moral values, as some of them seem to be children inheriting moral degradation due to lack of grass root level attention at school? Perhaps when these children come of age legislation may be gradually introduced to curb drunkenness.

If not, this desire so inbred in some of the adults may go underground for them to indulge in various other obnoxious brews and that in turn could be a bigger problem to society. Both these childrens and adults education will have to go hand in hand. Let this commence in temples, churches, mosques and in the kindergarten at school. Why not produce television dramas that would depict proper decorum in Parliament.

On the contrary we see mini- parliaments being conducted by school children on television mimicking the present tragic-comedy situation in the factual parliament. Why not change the pattern of this show in Rupavahini, to be an example to our children and also to some of our infantile Parliamentarians!

Investigations

All governments at its tail end election campaigns carry out finger pointing at corruptions of targeted politicians. Almost all of them have appeared on electronic media on several occasions and challenged those who accused them.

It is sincerely suggested that the Prime Minister in consultation with the Leader of the opposition appoint a panel of local investigators. If such an independent team is appointed, then there is no necessity to spend foreign exchange to bring in a Singaporean team that again would be construed to be unilateral.

Let us hope that those targeted Ministers come forward and call for such an independent investigation. It will be a great starting point to end corruption that is rampant in our country.

It is the duty of the government to ensure that governance would lead to equity and justice for all, and that the force of law prevails over the law of force, in legislating.

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