Feathering one’s own nest:The name of the game!

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

“Just you wait sir, we will show them how to make money when we get to power”: These words of an Opposition parliamentarian, made in mid-1980s, after a consultation, still ring in my ears and rings truer today, more than ever before. Being a pioneer in the field, when Cardiology emerged as a speciality in Sri Lanka, was a privilege as we were, much sought, after and became well acquainted with VIPs. Many poured their hearts out to us and even the politicians who came to consult us were honest with us; being honest about their dishonesty!

Politicians around the time when we gained Independence, had the welfare of the nation as their prime concern, but the euphoria generated by Independence gave way to the interests of a self-serving political class whose primary concern, was making money for themselves. In short, politics became a business and it is pretty obvious that the distinguishing characteristic of all our governments, irrespective of political affiliations, is that each government is more corrupt than the previous. Most of us who supported the blossoming of Pohottuwa were hopeful that there would be a reversal, in the belief that Rajapaksas had learned a lesson from the defeat of 2015 and the disaster of Yahapalanaya. How wrong were we!

There is no doubt, whatsoever, that the present economic crisis is largely, though not solely, due to the misdeeds of this government. Though the nefarious activities of the criminal underworld have been largely curtailed, the corrupt practices of politicians and their kith and kin continue unabated, much to the great disappointment of the masses that reposed their trust in a strongman. The first budget was a disaster which reduced revenue by imposing totally unnecessary tax cuts. Though the government managed the pandemic admirably, proactive management of the likely economic strain of the epidemic was totally neglected.

It was pretty obvious that foreign remittances from those who toil in the Middle East would decrease significantly and that foreign exchange earnings from tourism would sharply diminish for at least two or three years. Had the Rupee been allowed to float, instead of pegged artificially, the black market in foreign currency would not have developed. Price increases and the resultant agitations are the result of the prolonged delay in floating the Rupee which resulted in a sharp devaluation, instead of a gradual fall. Failing to go to the IMF for structural readjustments of our loans, going a round with a begging-bowl instead, was another mistake. Of course, the organic fertiliser fiasco, a good deed with the wrong timing, contributed to the economic woes.

The totally unwanted war in Ukraine is making matters worse for all countries but it is countries without any buffer, like Sri Lanka, that would be worse affected. The prices of all goods are rising in the UK and fuel bills would be at least doubled from next month! Worse is yet to come and it is the bounden duty of all politicians in Sri Lanka to help solve the most severe economic crisis the country has ever faced. But what are they doing? The rallying cry of all the opposition politicians, at the moment, seems to be elections for a change of government. A cynics view would be, that it is like changing pillows for a headache!

The Leader of the Opposition has been silent for a long time and I was taken aback by the following comments in The Sunday Times political column of 13 March, in reference to the protest led by a government MP outside SJB office, under the subheading, “Sajith busy with MSc degree”: “It is ironic that SJB leader Sajith Premadasa did not think it fit to summon a news conference. Nor did he issue a statement. By doing so, his front could have told Sri Lankans and the outside world that as the economy deteriorates and the people suffer, the Government was stifling the Opposition. The issue has already raised unease among SJB parliamentarians who complain that their leader is taking a “very soft approach.” Asked by an Opposition colleague why he had not led his party “to the streets,” Premadasa replied “wait for a few days. I am busy with my MSc degree. You will see me in action after that.”

Wonder what Sajith’s MSc is on? Perhaps, he has completed this task, for he led a public protest on 15 March. However, though the gathering was meant to be a protest rally, he made it an election rally outlining what his government would do. He stated:

“President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and the Government should give us the power to develop the country if they cannot perform. We will show them how we work if we are given power. We tell the people who are awaiting at fuel queues that three Middle Eastern countries have agreed to provide fuel for two years for our Samagi Jana Balawegaya government.”

Wonder what these Middle Eastern countries are? Or, are these pies in the sky? If this is serious talk, Sajith should have, for the sake of the country, joined the All-Party Talks which the President has summoned, than boycotting it. Perhaps, the President could have considered a national government with Sajith as Prime Minister so that the fuel problem would have been solved immediately! I am sure Mahinda would have been happy to be relaxed as the Senior Minister for Buddha Sasana!

What about the JVP? At a time when even some right-leaning intellectuals seem to be considering whether JVP should be given a chance, their action seems to portray their true nature; that they want to be disruptive. Their unified call for withholding of inward remittances of foreign exchange, surely, is a totally disruptive measure. Further, it is an encouragement for an illegal activity by the black-market. They too seem to crave for an election and have decided to boycott the All-Party Talks!

Surprisingly, no one seems to care for the plight of the poor. Everyone seems to be more interested in feathering his or her own nest. All Opposition politicians want to topple the government and come to power. Instead, what they should be doing is joining hands with the government to find a solution to the present crisis. Though it may not be politically popular, my suggestion is that the government, with the support of the Opposition, consider introducing a rationing system for all essential goods so that people dropping dead in long queues could be avoided. It may not be popular with the rich and affluent but will ensure that the basic needs of the poor are met. Hard times demand drastic measures!

There should be no shame with rationing. After all, food rationing introduced during the Second World War in the UK ended after 14 years in 1954!