LSSP marks 89 years, calls for revival of welfare state and economic justice

The Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) celebrated its 89th anniversary this weekend, reaffirming its commitment to addressing poverty, promoting social justice, and reviving the welfare state in Sri Lanka.In a message marking the occasion, party leader Prof. Tissa Vitarana highlighted the global decline of capitalism and its devastating impact on both developed and developing nations, including Sri Lanka.

Prof. Vitarana said that the capitalist socio-economic system is in its final phase of decline, citing global examples such as Volkswagen’s closure of major plants in Germany, job losses, and wage cuts. “This decline is exacerbating economic disparities worldwide, with poorer nations bearing the brunt of exploitation,” he said.

In Sri Lanka, 63% of families live below the poverty line, unable to meet basic needs such as food and medicine. Malnutrition among children, which stood at 14.3% two years ago, has now risen to 30.7%, Prof. Vitarana noted. He warned of dire consequences for the next generation, including stunted physical and mental development, unless urgent measures are taken to provide essential nutrients at affordable prices.

The LSSP leader called on the government to reintroduce targeted welfare programs, including free or subsidized food distribution through cooperatives, as implemented by former LSSP leader Dr. N. M. Perera during the 1972/73 economic crisis. He also urged the removal of indirect taxes burdening the poor and their redistribution to wealthier segments of society.

Prof. Vitarana criticized the government’s adherence to International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies, arguing that they increase foreign debt and undermine essential public services. He cited the erosion of Prof. Senaka Bibile’s National Medicinal Drug Policy as a key factor behind medicine shortages and rising healthcare costs, which disproportionately affect the poor.

On international issues, Prof. Vitarana condemned what he described as the “barbaric actions” of Israel in Gaza, accusing the United States of enabling such actions to maintain its global dominance. He argued that the U.S. economy, heavily reliant on the arms industry, promotes conflicts worldwide to sustain demand.

Prof. Vitarana also highlighted the emergence of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as an alternative to Western-led economic systems. He advocated for Sri Lanka to join the BRICS alliance, which he sees as a pathway to economic sovereignty and reduced dependence on Western powers.

Turning to domestic industrial policy, Prof. Vitarana called for greater utilization of existing resources, such as the SLINTEC nanotechnology center and the Vidatha Centres, which have supported over 12,000 small and medium enterprises. He stressed the need for innovation and digital technology to drive industrialization and create a sustainable economic future.

Addressing climate change, he underscored the importance of proactive planning to mitigate its impacts while warning against potential threats from international agreements like the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which he claims undermine national sovereignty.

Prof. Vitarana concluded by reaffirming the LSSP’s commitment to fighting for the rights of the poor and marginalized, emphasizing the party’s historical role in championing social justice and its vision for a welfare-oriented future.