Growth, equity and peace
SRI LANKA is enjoying the proud distinction of attaining its
highest economic growth rate over the past 30 years and it has all been
made possible through the adoption of Mahinda Chinthana principles.
The 7.4 percent economic growth rate achieved in 2006 is indeed proof
that nothing could get the country down; least of all LTTE terror.
This unprecedented figure is also proof that the social democratic
ideals underpinning the Mahinda Chinthana, constitute the springboard of
Sri Lanka’s development.
Overall, our economic achievement vindicates the Government’s
strategy of forging ahead with its growth plans, notwithstanding the
problems posed by LTTE terror.
It also proves that that there is no need to stall development merely
because LTTE terror has to be contained. Development, in other words,
could go ahead alongside terror containment measures.
The social democratic principles pursued so far have ensured growth
along with a measure equity, but more needs to be achieved in the latter
area.
This is the reason why the Government, under the direction of
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is laying great emphasis on ending regional
imbalances in development.
In fact it is no less a person than President Mahinda Rajapaksa who
drew the attention of the country to the need to complement economic
growth with reducing poverty levels.
In other words, equality of material condition among our citizens
should accompany our high growth rate which is computed on the basis of
increases in the production of goods and services.
It is only redistributive justice or fairness in the distribution of
income and wealth earned by the country which could bring about equity.
In short, we should continue to strive for a balance between growth and
equity.
It is considerations such as these that underpin Government’s efforts
at narrowing the wealth gap between the Western Province and some other
provinces which are not as wealthy as it.
From this point of view, the State’s development programmes, such as
‘Maga Neguma’ and ‘Gama Neguma’ could prove highly beneficial. The 300
factories programme could prove equally beneficial, complemented by the
numerous mega infrastructure development projects launched by the State.
The ultimate aim is to convert all our provinces into centres of
wealth creation and stepped-up infrastructure facilities could indeed
help in improving the lot of our masses.
For instance, a vaster and well maintained road network would help
greatly in the marketing of the produce of our rural poor. Improved
telecommunication facilities could have the same effect.
The President also sounded a sobering note by reminding the country
of the need to find a solution to the problem of terror which has been
with us for the past 30 years.
While it is true that the country has done well in the economic
growth sphere despite the conflict, it is clear that we cannot go on
indefinitely on these dual tracks without finding a political solution
to our conflict.
A suitable basis could be laid to a political solution by ensuring
that economic equity seeps into all parts of the country, including, of
course, the North-East.
When the centre effectively intervenes to bring development on an
equal basis to all, there will be a greater degree of integration
between the rest of the country and the North-East. This will facilitate
the implementation of a political solution. |
The best chance ever for SAARC
WHEN South Asia’s leaders meet in New Delhi on
April 3, they must show the vision to abandon the beaten path. Their
peoples have too much at stake.
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More fiction than fact - the great Tiger humbug
IN summary, the LTTE supporters and the
anti-Government, unpatriotic rabble (led by the Opposition) have
united to use the air attack opportunity to build a flying Tiger out
of straw, upgrading home built flying trapezes into Stealth Bombers
capable of spreading mayhem and chaos.
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Katunayake attack unlikely to dampen resolve
THE previous attack on the Katunayake airport,
during the regime of President Kumaratunga, compounding on negative
economic growth due to a sustained drought, led to the empowerment
of the Wickremesinghe administration and the ceasefire agreement.
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