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"Let us make Poya day into a day of National Community Service"

Arundathi Roy is one of the most erudite and compelling contemporary writers whose speeches and essays regarding the growing disparity between the worlds's rich and the poor had attracted worldwide attention.

In her book, 'The Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire" Roy argues with compassion the need to change the neo liberal agenda or "corporate globalization" as she calls it, if the developing world is the free itself from the sinister objectives of neo liberal free marketers, who specializes in creating enclaves of growth & privilege amidst growing poverty.

In an essay titled "confronting empire" Arundathi Roy writes, "that there have been noteworthy victories in resisting this destructive form of corporate globalization" and says 'the good news is that we are not doing too badly.

There have been major victories. Here in Latin America you have had so many - in Bolivia, you have Cochabamba. In Peru, there was the uprising in Arequipa. In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez is holding on, despite the US Government's best efforts. And the world's gaze is on the people of Argentina, who are trying to refashion a country from the ashes of the havoc wrought by the IMF'.

In this context I believe that the maiden budget of the Freedom Alliance Government can now certainly be counted as yet another major victory in the fight to create an alternate vision to the neo-liberal agenda. As Joseph Stiglitz writes in the book "The roaring nineties": this alternate vision must be one based on global social justice and a balance role for the government and the market.

In fact, I must take this opportunity to congratulate the Finance Minister and Dr. P. B. Jayasundara for presenting this budget today with a definitive new vision, a bold alternative which will be keenly studied by all other social democrats in the rest of the world.

As Dr. Mahatir Mohomad, former Prime Minister of Malaysia writes in an essay titled "Globalization: Challenges and Impact on Asia.

"A country that is still poor or developing may find that it is not wise to jump blindly into complete integration with the world economy, for this may open it up to many risks that can damage its local economy. It is wiser to engage in a selective and strategic integration with the world market. In this approach, the country chooses the way and degree to which it wants to open up, the timing and sequence of opening up, the form of cooperation and competition between its local firms and foreign firms, and the particular sectors it wants to liberalize and those sectors that still need some protection, for the good of the country."

Dr. Mohomed further states on the need for 'Home grown policies as opposed to one size fits all policies.' Since the policies are usually set in a one-size-fits-all manner, they hinder the ability of the individual country to choose the particular set of policies that suits its own development needs. As a result, developing countries have found it extremely difficult to steer through the turbulent waters of globalization."

In fact Dr. Mahatir also anticipates the chaos & anarchy, which would have been inevitable if the 'Regaining Sri Lanka' type of policies have been pursued.

'What is important is that countries be given the right and space to review the impact of globalization, and decide which aspects to make use of in future, and which aspects to discard. As recent events show, it is too dangerous to allow the so-called free market, or global institutions, to usurp the role of governments, for this may well lead the countries to prolonged period of economic showdown, economic anarchy and social chaos."

Mr. Speaker, At the last election the people were confronted with two clearly defined visions for our country: 'The Regaining Sri Lanka and Rata Perata'.

The Regaining Sri Lanka Project of the UNP envisaged a midnight economy, or a country which never sleeps - one of the many slogans of that era where one of the major achievements was opening the CWE for 24 hours! In fact in an attempt to transform Sri Lanka into 'Sirasalantaya' anything traditional or local was frowned upon.

Newsreaders on State TV were asked to bare their legs and I know of a renowned tele-drama producer who was asked to produce tele drama in the style 'Baywatch' (a bare all soap opera from US) if he wanted TV time on state TV.

The barbarians were no longer knocking at the gates but were actually occupying the corridors of power.

As Arundathi Roy writes, "Modern democracies have been around for long enough for neo-liberal capitalists to learn how to subvert them. They have mastered the technique of infiltrating the instruments of democracy - the independent judiciary, the 'free' press, the parliament - and moulding them to their purpose. The project of corporate globalisation has cracked the code. Free elections, a free press and an independent judiciary mean little when the free market has reduced them to commodities on sale to the highest bidder."

The subservient and slavish mentality of the Ranil Wickremesinghe government opened the floodgates for such infiltration. The big Rajahs and other dubious and shadowy business tycoons were in and out of Temple Trees and of course the foreign consultants came in droves to preach the doctrine of neo-liberalisms.

The modern equivalent of the missionaries of the 19th century who roamed around the world targeting poor countries to 'civilise' us savages, the new missionaries come here now to teach us democracy, good governance and how to manage our economies in a way, which will benefit their masters at the financial centers of the world.

Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe spent $ 7 million on consultants and some of his key advisors such as Robinson, Maxwell, Culthbetson were hired on contract for unbelievable amounts while dubious characters like John Earl (a visitor to Sri Lanka since 1999 as an image consultant to Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe) was paid $239,280 as the Media Strategist.

His brief was to physically groom the then Prime Minister to dress, talk and walk as the western world's favourite pet poodle from a third world country.

Robinsons, Maxwells, Culthbetsons infiltration was made so much easier as the Cabinet was filled with people of such subservient and slavish mentalities. Many developing countries were shocked when at the WTO meeting Mexico in 2002, Sri Lankan Trade Minister aligned himself with the west in formulating an Agricultural policy while another Minister was very fond of continuously repeating his undying loyalty to the US. (Whenever I am called - I go there- I ask not why-I know not why).

However, we must remember that the UNP too was elected on a set of pro-poor promises in December 2001 when it toppled the PA government elected for a 6 years term.

In fact no other political party in post independence Sri Lanka had given so much of promises with an added assurance that these promises would be fulfilled in 100 days.

However, once in power all these promises were discarded with utter disregard and contempt for the vote base which elected them and presented the Regaining Sri Lanka policy instead. Expenditure on Education, Health and Poverty Alleviation was chopped with precision. Selected business interests were given massive tax rebates.

However within two years the policies of the UNP proved to be such a disaster and the majority of the people gave the Rata Perata programme a massive mandate with a majority of over 750,000 votes in April this year.

Mr. Speaker,

Unlike the UNP, the Freedom Alliance has now proven beyond any doubt that the promises given at the last election was not mere tactics to get into power and that the Rata Perata programme is based within the framework of a definite economic philosophy. Although only seven months we have by now fulfilled over 80% of the key promises of April 2004. I table a detailed analysis of our manifesto and the promises already fulfilled.

As Lee Kuan Yew, Senior Minister of Singapore has written in a recent publication of the World Economic Forum the factors which create rapid growth are: 'Governments that maintain, stability, sound Macro Economic policies and good infrastructure, second people who continually educate themselves to higher levels, work hard, save much of their earnings and invest in their children's education'.

If so, Mr. Speaker our budget has all these ingredients and it is up to us to implement these policies in order to achieve rapid growth which has remained elusive all these years.

As Lee Kuan Yew writers, hard work is the key to rapid growth in nay country and that is why the symbolic and nominal proposals to increase the working hours by 60 minutes should welcomed by every one who wants to take the country forward.

Even the Neo Liberal should be happy about this proposal. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe has again resorted to 'predictable politicking' (A term used by the Strait Times in 2000 in their editorial to describe Mr. Wickremesinghe's opposition to the constitutional package put forward by President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga) by vehemently protesting against this voluntary increase.

We are indeed greatly moved by Mr. Wickremasinghe's crocodile tears, and happy that the leader of the opposition has decided to become the new champion of the working classes".

Leaving aside such blatant political opportunism, many genuinely reasonable may well argue that adding an extra hour to the already lethargic workforce will be futile. However, what important is that we must stress the need for hard work even if it is a nominal gesture.

We in Sri Lanka must be made to know the importance of hard work if we are to move forward. The importance of engraving the work ethic into our national psyche cannot be over emphasized. We as a nation must have the determination to succeed through hard work.

Of course, there must be systems in place to ensure that our workforce puts in their maximum capacity during working hours and shirkers must be severely disciplined.

The perception that government jobs are better because they have to work less must be removed; the state sector must also demand the same levels of commitment, excellence and dedication as the private sector does and bonus payments and other allowances must be performance related and the education system also must play a role in changing attitudes.

The present generation, thanks to the value system highlighted in the last decade, obviously dreams of untold riches with the least amount of work input.

Blue-collar work is frowned upon; the tie and the briefcase are the new symbols of success even for most rural youth today. The natural talent of most of these youth looking for quick fixes - shortcuts to being wealthy has to be harnessed if our country is to succeed.

In fact we must show them that success can come in may forms and not only by cramming for exams. going into university, finding a state job and pen-pushing for the rest of his/her life.

It must be told that it is just a great achievement to be a plumber, a brick layer or a labourer as it is to be a lawyer or doctor or company executive. A good and experienced "Bas-unnehe" obviously deserves the same respect as the architect or engineer who is working alongside him.

Despite the lackadaisical attitude and lethargy of our people on home soil, many Sri Lankans stand out in their capacity to work when they go abroad.

Most Sri Lankans have earned a reputation for their dedication, punctuality and excellence in other countries (I do not mean only doctors and other professionals). In fact recently I was at a reputed Japanese restaurant in New York where I was pleasantly surprised when the Head Cook who was a Sri Lankan introduced himself at the end of an excellent dinner.

Most Asian and Middle Eastern Diplomats at the UNESCO permanent missions in Paris employ Sri Lankan chauffeurs as they are considered to be much more reliable, efficient and skilled than the ones from their own soil.

One of the top uniform manufacturers in Paris is a young Sri Lankan who started life as a tailor in Marawila with just one manual sewing machine. Sri Lankans are much appreciated for their skills in the food and beverage industry in many countries and even as labourers they excel in what they do.

Annexure 1
21. Whilst writing-off Rs. 200 billion of 
public revenue by this infamous Tax Amnesty 
Law of 2003, the UNF Government budgeted to 
borrow Rs. 350 billion in the year 2004. 
Compare this write-off of Rs. 200 billion 
with the budgeted Capital Expenditure 
amounts for the year 2004. 
	
					Rs. Billion
Education and Health			16.2
Housing and Water Supply		14.0
Lending to Small and Medium Enterprises	11.0
Power and Energy			9.8
Agriculture, Irrigation, Fisheries	9.0
Un-employed Graduates			3.0
Fertiliser Subsidy			3.5
Paddy Purchase Subsidy			0.9

22. The above is expenditure for 19 million people. 
Compare this with the Rs. 200 billion write-off 
granting bonanzas for a very few capitalist 
cronies, wrong-doers, law breakers, drug peddlers, 
terrorists and fraudsters, close friends of 
Ranil Wickremesinghe and his UNF Government.
      

Despite all the evidence to the contrary, I still believe we are not a nation of lotus-eaters. Our people are creative, conscientious and have the ability for hard work. But we are yet to harness the talents of our people. We have to inspire the people with a vision and a sense of purpose.

It is abundantly clear that given the correct vision and leadership people will respond positively. It is proven by this very fact that for once, the business communities as well as the workers have been unanimous in their praise for this budget.

Only the racketeer business class is left to sulk and conspire against this budget along with the Ranil Wickremesinghe faction of the UNP.

One startling factor I noticed during this budget debate was that none of members of the opposition cared to analyse it in a rational or in depth manner; all sound and fury and very little else - and the performance of many was unfortunately more Charlie Chaplin than Shakespearean.

I would also like to say a few words regarding the public holidays we enjoy in Sri Lanka. It is time we question ourselves whether one can afford so many holidays when we are already topping the list in the whole world in this regard.

I ask you, members of this House, to close your eyes for a moment, forget which side of the aisle you are sitting on; forget your party. Can we really afford to go on like this any more? Can we?

That is why my personal opinion, I stress my opinion and not of the party - that we should slash the number of holidays we have. We work only 52 per cent of the year and that too half-heartedly without any dedication and discipline.

Let each person of a particular religion be given the opportunity to take their holiday on that special occasion if they so desire but let the others work.

Let us get away from the habit of celebrating triumphs and victories by declaring holiday;

Let us celebrate the anniversaries of our dead heroes by working instead of holidaying.

Let us pay homage to our religions by working to make a better tomorrow for our children.

In fact, I would like to propose to this House to seriously consider making all Poya days a day of National Community Service. One day of every month let us dedicate ourselves to our community and our country. That will be the best way to pay tribute to our Lord Buddha.

Let every man, woman and child of this country spend one day a month doing service to the community.

On every Poya day, let us all, whatever our status may be get into the paddy fields, get into the roads or head to the beach and work for the common good; Let us repair the temples, the local schools or help build new youth center etc and unite to take the country forward not only by word by deed as well.

A stable government is also an important factor for rapid and sustainable development. Sri Lanka today is trapped in a constitution, which is tearing apart the very fabric of our society.

The embryo of many of the devastating problems we are grappling with today can be traced back to the period subsequent to the 1978 constitution and the creation of the Executive Presidency. Unlimited executive powers of the new constitution combined with a 5/6 majority obtained under the old electoral system (which JRJ cunningly hung onto till 1987 through the notorious referendum of 1982) created an arrogant regime which flouted all expected norms of good and accountable governance which created the backdrop for many of our current problems.

Today, as the country mourns the killing of a brave and independent judge by underworld assassins we cannot but help remember how it all began with homes of judges being stoned by state sponsored thugs, by a government intoxicated by power.

As we read about a deadly underworld holding society to ransom, we cannot help but remember how underworld elements were given legitimacy when known thugs and child rapists like Gonawela Sunil were given Presidential pardons to be canonized later by being made into a justice of peace.

Notorious underworld figures like Sotthi Upali were made working committee members of the ruling party and it became de rigueur amongst Cabinet ministers in the 1980s to own their own personal pet thug. In short the 1978 constitution has been the root cause of many of our present woes and it has impeded our progress. In fact this view has been expressed by our very own man for all seasons Mr. G. L. Pieris.

Annexure 2 Means to an end

A Constitution is not an end in itself. It is only a means to an end. It is only an instrument for fulfilling the aspirations of the people. It is only a framework within which law can be promulgated and an administrative structure established.

If a constitution is frozen and made unchangeable for all time, it does not facilitate but on the contrary impedes progress. It becomes a millstone around the neck of a nation.

For 10 years President Kumaratunga has grappled to change this constitution but each time the UNP has resorted to its predictable politicking, always obstructing the process. We must also have an electoral system which reflects the will of the people.

If we are to move forward we need a strong government able to take firm decisions, which benefit the country as a whole.

We must not be trapped by the whims and fancies of individual MPs. Both sides can continue to seduce each others members; to spirit them from one side of the House to the other; it may give short term stability but what our country needs are long-term, durable solutions.

That is why we must turn a new page away from our parochial politics; remain loyal to your party, remain loyal to your principles but let us all rally around the President at this defining moment in history.

This is a national cause, this is a national struggle.

We have now a window of opportunity to change course; to formulate a new vision for Sri Lanka.

Let us all sit together for a few weeks or a few months in a constituent assembly, and discuss the contours of a brave new Sri Lanka.

Let us talk of a new electoral system - a system while being representative of the people's wishes, will also ensure the rightful representation of all communities and groups. Let us also talk of the Executive Presidency. Do we need it? If we do let us talk about the rationalization of executive powers.

Let us also discuss the nature of the state, how all our citizens can live in peace and dignity with equal opportunities for all.

Mr. Speaker,

All our dreams for a better tomorrow will never be realized if we cannot find a durable solution to the ethnic question; all our efforts now will be like building sand castles on the beach.

As you are aware the commitment of President Kumaratunga to the resolution of the ethnic conflict has remained consistent and unwavering.

From the heady days of the 1993 provincial council elections when President Kumaratunga as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the WP talks about the need to devolve power in order to meet the genuine grievances of the Tamils, to the present day nearly 12 years later, despite many setbacks and challenges the President has remained firm in her convictions with the courage and singularity of purpose to resolve this crisis.

As President Kumaratunga said recently at the inaugural address of the NACPR on 4th Oct.;

'We remain honestly, totally and for ever committed to peace; we are committed to the hilt to a non violent negotiated peace; we are committed to end this war and armed conflict.' (Table the full speech)

The window of opportunity to recommence the peace talks is very positive, as we believe that all communities in Sri Lanka and international opinion have converged on several important guidelines to resume the peace talks.

The first is total commitment to pursuing a political solution through a process of discussion; Our Alliance Government and its constituent parties are for a negotiated settlement through discussion.

As stated by the SLFP/JVP in their MoU early this year and endorsed by the other constituent parties of the Alliance;

'The UPFA Government favours the early resumption of talks with the LTTE pertaining to the peace process, which will lead to a comprehensive negotiated settlement, acceptable to all communities of Sri Lanka, reflecting the pluralistic nature of our society and consistent with democracy and respect for human rights.

We are also committed to exploring a range of solutions that can address the grievances of the minority communities and fulfil aspirations of all communities. The UPFA will join in exploring all possible solutions, which could lead to a final settlement.

The SLFP, the chief constituent party of the Alliance accepts a federal structure as one of the possible solutions while all the constituent parties are agreed upon the need to bow down to the wishes of the majority once a final solution has been reached.

Our Government is also committed to human rights, pluralism and democracy as important elements for the peace process and the political solution.

In any transition from war to democracy, from violent conflict to democratic governance, we recognize the need for a suitable interim arrangement which could be discussed and finalized as an integral part of an enduring final settlement that maintains the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and ensures the safety, well-being and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka.

At this defining moment let us all act with restraint;

Let us think with our heads and not our hearts. This is a time for cool heads and strong nerves.

Let us not do anything to provoke each other.

Let us all join hands to resolve this terrible problem.

Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by quoting from a recent speech by our President; 'What I am asking of ourselves may be tall order. The stars are far away. Yet I continue to hope and believe in this, our nation's ability and strength to reach for those stars if we work together honestly.'

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