Govt. meeting the challenges ahead

It’s a fact that the global coronavirus pandemic is certainly going to make life difficult for all Sri Lankans, and people all over the world, in the coming years. Two main areas the government should focus on, especially with regards to the economic, front are:

A) To minimize imports and prevent money going out of the country. In this regard it would be pertinent to ban the import of all items that can be locally produced and made available to the people, e.g., chocolates; biscuits; cereal; beer; toiletry; etc. In particular, a moratorium on the import of all types of vehicles should be put in place for at least three years.

B) The government should take immediate and effective steps to make Sri Lanka self-sufficient with regard to the basic and essential needs of the people, e.g. food, clothing, etc. It would be a step in the right direction to encourage and facilitate the people to grow their own food. Encourage the youth of this country to take to farming by providing them with land that is not utilized, and also ensure the required infrastructure facilities, including provision for better storage, made available to them. Measures should be taken to make farming not only a lucrative practice but a reputable form of employment like in New Zealand and other countries in the so-called developed world. In whatever area we become self-sufficient and have a surplus, the government should try to find export markets for such produce.

Finally, the government should make a sincere effort to cut down on wastage and curb corruption. But, most importantly, the government should start believing that no matter what others may say, whatever challenges that may come, especially in the economic front, because of the current pandemic situation in the world: That Sri Lanka is going to prevail. The government should get people also to think on these lines, with conviction, by setting a good example. For it is a proven fact that positive thinking will bring about positive results. Let the government, elected by the people, galvanize itself to look at challenges ahead as opportunities, and explore all possible avenues to prevail…

SIMPLY SRI LANKAN