President’s second term:
Manifestly futuristic
President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second term commences on a manifestly
futuristic note signifying a creative approach to governance. Political
observers credit the President for being remarkably accessible casting
himself as the proverbial safe pair of hands, an unmatched leadership
quality.
Many favourable trends mark the event: First and foremost his adroit
prosecution of the war would prove to be an unparalleled experience in
taking the country forward.
Equally significant is how Sri Lanka successfully withstood the harsh
impacts of a global recession under President’s stewardship. IMF has
stated that a full-scale depression has been averted. While many Western
nations were performing triage on their sick economies success has
arrived steadily in Sri Lanka.
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President
Mahinda Rajapaksa |
What is also germane is that overcoming obstacles to inter-racial
harmony seemed well within President’s grasp. Even detractors would
acknowledge that. The SLMC’s decision to join the government
unconditionally pointed to President’s success as a proven consensus
builder - almost unmatched in recent times.
Path towards paradigm shift
The current growth forecasts portentously show that the economic
tempo would likely take off into top gear breaking out of the box. Many
analysts predict that the second term would see a steady path towards a
paradigm shift in development impelled by technological innovation.
President’s first term began with a hard fought election victory. Yet
the razor thin Parliamentary majority of that era brought in adeptness
and purpose. Post-war ebullience prevalent today lends itself to a more
forward-looking stance.
The challenge to ensure a steady flow of capital into the country as
well as the identification of the vexing issues facing the country had
not been left to speculation. The grass roots approach to development
had not been forgotten, neither had the younger members of Parliament
been left out.
Hustling for motivation
Second term should by definition be hustling with an eye for
motivation as the crippling and arbitrary term limits are gone. Getting
the country energized seemed the pertinent planned course. Refighting
the Presidential campaign is a constant day-to-day effort. Staying
focused by avoiding collusion course would be a major ingredient of
success.
The results would hinge on keeping faith with the ordinary folks’
ability to stand firm. Their anxieties must be the guiding light. The
core of the coalition that the President assembled should never be
allowed to be gnawed away by ensuring that stagnation and insecurity are
under control.
Those suffused with vengeful glee and ready to bodysurf the
anti-establishment rhetoric may be fired up and ready to go. The
impulses of urgency and commitment must overcome such predicaments.
Five point strategy
Most analysts predict that to keep everyone enthused five main goals
are essential: economic stability and growth, infrastructure
enhancement, food safety, innovation in industry - especially high Tec,
a service sector geared for productivity and lasting peace. Ability to
deliver on these fronts is vital.
The coalition that stretches from the liberal left into the
centre-right must not be allowed to lose faith. Constituency politics
must not become antagonistic but anchored on a vision of hope. Firm
roots need to be well entrenched.
Some have argued that the first term had become a rallying cry for
overall support garnered due to the unprecedented access Sri Lankans had
gained following the increase in the number of ministerships - a much
maligned topic.
Ultimately access underpins democracy. The ability of all citizens to
reach the highest echelons of power is vital. President has exemplified
that principle.
The inspirational well-springs abundantly point to President’s
ability to project an innovative agenda capitalizing on the substantial
support in the country. The emboldened party-following would not rest
until goals are reached. So would disparagement and dissent.
Overriding goals getting etched
The overriding goals would get etched in stone eventually. With every
flourish of President’s imprimatur would come the need for fastened
growth, of course, the antagonisms may be part of the equation.
The golden rule is that leaders have to be realistic about what can
and cannot be achieved, while at the same time recognize that realism
should never be confused with capitulation.
There is common ground to be built. That can be found not in the
corridors of power alone but from among the ordinary folks who are the
vanguard of success.
Progress in the economic front must take precedence over doling out
favours - what is termed sharing the pork barrel in the West. The
demarcation of priorities has to be made on the basis of strategy.
As I write two unrelated news items herald futuristic beginnings: a
garment factory on a 10-acre land in Kilinochchi has been planned and
over two million saplings are being planted to mark the second term-both
augur well - both unprecedented in their overall impact.
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