Weak governance, the polticisation of the public service and their ill-effects had led to an economic crisis, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya says.

Jayasuriya said yesterday that competent administrative officers had been sidelined and retired military officers appointed to top positions in the state service. Excerpts of his statement:

“This is why government decisions are constantly changing. Public administration requires experience,” Jayasuriya said.

“We listened to the address by the President on the country’s Independence Day with great interest. I wish him the strength to fulfil his promises to the country. Even though the current plight of the people, especially that of the farmers has been raised before, it is imperative to once again remind that it is the duty of the President to address these issues and provide solutions to their woes. We must accept that the people are suffering and acknowledge their pain and anger.

“We believe weak Governance, a politicized public service and its ensuing collapse has led to this economic crisis faced by the country today. One key reason identified is the decision to disregard talented administrative officers and appointed retired military officers Instead. It is for this reason that government decisions are constantly changing and then reversed. Administration requires experience.

“The government must acknowledge that the 20th Amendment and the two-thirds majority no longer benefit the people. The government must correct these shortcomings. Even though this year’s Independence Day celebration was held with great pomp and pageantry, it was evident that public interest in the event was lacking. This must be taken as a message from the people to the government.

The Forex Crisis

“The hit taken by the foreign exchange reserves was also the result of administrative failures. Local and foreign economists say this has been caused by large scale corruption in the country, lack of a long term plan and large scale looting of assets. This is more commonly known as Plundering National Wealth.

“If the Bribery Commission had sprung into action and law enforcement officials took the necessary steps this day light robbery could have been averted. However, the Bribery Commission is withdrawing certain cases filed against powerful people.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act

“Currently there is an ongoing discussion on the possible amendment of the PTA. The international community has continuously voiced their dissent at the gross misuse of the PTA in Sri Lanka while the UN Human Rights Council has also mentioned this on various occasions. In Sri Lanka, this act is used to take revenge on opponents. Many similar cases have been reported to us.

“We appreciate the steps taken to change this Act after 43 years and we feel that it would be more appropriate to bring in the most appropriate legislation or to make the necessary amendments to suit the developing world, as seen in the world’s democracies. We believe a broader discussion on the issue will be fruitful. It also must be noted that certain proposed amendments may be taken into consideration at the upcoming UNHRC sessions in Geneva.

Levying of taxes on the EPF

“A significant number of Sri Lankans not serving in the public service are members of the EPF. Their only hope is to use the fund to either build a home, fund their children’s education or spend on their child’s marriage at the end of their retirement.

“Therefore, it is the view of the National Movement for Social Justice that the attempt to steal from the Employees’ Provident Fund, the only asset of helpless workers, is an inhumane act. We know of many instances where certain powerful individuals have used this fund to make money in the stock market. There are many instances where millionaires were born out of the money of these helpless people. Therefore, we request the government to refrain from imposing a tax on the EPF.

The ‘One Country, One Law’
policy and granting a pardon to Ranjan Ramanayake

“The people of this country had hoped MP Ranjan Ramanayake would receive a Presidential pardon on Independence Day. We are saddened that it was not to be. As crime bosses, drug dealers and murderers are set free while a popular artistes such as Rajan Ramanayake continues to languish in prison, it is evident that the government’s so-called ‘One Country, One Law’ policy is not a reality in Sri Lanka.

“I hope that the authorities will pay attention to these facts we have raised today in good faith for the betterment of the country and the people.”