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| Friday, 16 January 2004 |
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The role of Tripartite Advisory Councils in Social Dialogue by Lal de Mel, Past President Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry Solutions to the political stalemate between the President and the Prime Minister was the subject of a well attended meeting organised by the Joint Business Forum held on January 08 at the BMICH. The leading Chambers of Commerce and Industry are all members of the Joint Business Forum and hence it represents the voice of business. I pointed out to the Chairman Mahendra Amarasuriya the need to adapt a tripartite approach to the solution of policy issues, including the current political stalemate which is threatening the peace initiative. The Soulbury constitution provided a Senate where eminent personalities who represent varied shades of public opinion can provide a balanced view on policy matters. With the Senate being dominated by defeated candidates, it became irrelevant and was subsequently eliminated. The purpose of the Senate was to act as an impartial third force to resolve disputes like the current political problem. The success of the peace process can be traced to the use of a tripartite model to resolve differences of opinion between the Government and the LTTE. The Minister of Labour & Employment Mahinda Samarasinghe with his experience in working at ILO headquarters in Geneva, has successfully utilised this model at the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC). NLAC is an apex body consisting of Trade Union representatives, representatives of Employers Organisations and Public Servants. Expeditious settlement of disputes referred to Labour Tribunals, the introduction of Termination of Employment Act which ensures the payment of a pre-determined compensation without delay and the introduction of an Unemployment Insurance Scheme are some of the achievements of the National Labour Advisory Council, led by the Minister of Labour & Employment. India is developing rapidly as a result of the powerful Indian Civil Service which ensures that national policies are not changed by the politicians when there is a change of government. Unfortunately the Sri Lankan Civil Service is another victim of our politicians who have made this a nation best known for House Maids and unskilled labour, while our neighbour has emerged as the leader in providing IT enabled services to the world. Once again the Indian Civil Service provides the vital third force between the politicians of opposing parties. The report of the Director General of ILO on Decent Work has highlighted the following instances of successful Social Dialogue through tripartite consultations. Indonesia: Since June 1998, broad tripartite consultations have worked towards reshaping the country's labour laws in line with ILO standards. Ireland. "Tripartite plus" pacts have contributed to developing a cooperative labour relations climate, a healthy economic growth and low unemployment. Republic of Korea: Tripartite consultations have helped to cushion some of the shocks of the economic crisis. I had the opportunity of visiting South Korea and Japan as a member of a tripartite Sri Lankan delegation, to study the social security systems in South Korea & Japan. In South Korea Labour Advisory Councils include public interest representatives who help the employers and the trade unions to resolve their disputes in an equitable manner and supervise the implementation of contentious issues. We need the representation of such public interest representatives in all bodies which deal with policy issues. Politically neutral private sector representatives who represent the Engine of Growth, need to play an active role in such councils, as peace is essential for prosperity. Shantha Yahanpath, a consultant based in Australia in his 'Economic Outlook 2004' has made the following observation. Violence and division triggered by racial and religious conflicts are unlikely to help us in regaining Sri Lanka. After two decades of war, the country has a lot of lost ground to gain. Another conflict (religious or racial) is likely to re-lose Sri Lanka for a long time. The President has suggested the inclusion of religious leaders of all denominations, professionals and other national groups, in an Advisory Council on Peace, in seeking a negotiated settlement of the National Question. With the threat of religious conflict looming like a dark cloud, the religious leaders need to be represented in the resolution of relevant policy issues. We also need the academic community. The most important requirement is that all nominees are acceptable to both political parties, to bring an impartial public interest perspective to issues under discussion. The people of Sri Lanka who yearn for peace and prosperity must play a pro-active role in persuading the leaders to resolve their dispute and promote co-habitation, with a help of a tripartite advisory council. |
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