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Containing living costs

Close on the heels of the unsettling news of an electricity tariff hike comes a cost-of-living 'shocker' from Sri Lanka Telecom to the effect that telecommunication charges too would be increased. All this and more is happening against the backdrop of a looming water crisis, and none could fault the average consumer for viewing his situation with considerable alarm and anxiety. The cost-of-living, after all, is a prime determinant of happiness and empty stomachs very often lead to distasteful consequences.

This is, admittedly, an uncomfortable position for any government to be in. The present government has inherited an economy which is in a shambles and things have to be put right amid grave and severe financial constraints. The power sector, for instance, was all but devastated when the UNF Government took over. Accordingly, cost-of-living shocks shouldn't come as a surprise. The finances have to be found to steady the economy and to provide the average consumer with a measure of relief.

Power and energy is a tricky proposition and the Government is doing well to explore all avenues of enhancing and expanding the national grid. Coal power has proved a controversial source of electrical power generation but we wouldn't consider it wise to drop this proposal altogether. Perhaps, alternative locations must be found to site the relevant coal plants but steady and concrete moves must be made by the authorities to tap this source of energy.

It is also up to the critics of this program to consider the crisis the country is up against. Repeated electricity tariff hikes, it must be remembered, will make the cost-of-living unbearable and increase production costs. Thus will industries be severely affected and industrial and entrepreneur development come up against insurmountable obstacles. The challenges which have arisen should prompt the Government as well as those who are critical of the coal power option to put their heads together in a constructive effort to find acceptable solutions to the power bind in which the country is finding itself.

It is gladdening to note that priority is being continuously attached to jump-starting the economy. Efforts to revive the tourist industry in the North-East are laudable. So are efforts to inject life into industries and agriculture in those areas. These are some important ways of rejuvenating the national economy.

Nevertheless, consumer protection too must receive the priority attention of the Government. The common lament is that price control of essential commodities is not proving effective. This is the exposed flank of any government. It must be protected if the best advantages are to be reaped from the peace process.

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