‘Help others save us’

The Island editorial, under the above title on 11 April 2022, is highly commendable for attempting to keep an eye open, especially with what is stated under the last paragraph. “Political stability is a prerequisite for economic recovery. The Central Bank and the Finance Ministry, under their new heads, who are experienced, capable professionals, are trying their best to save the economy with the help of other experts. They have infused the public with some hope, and already adopted tough measures to tackle the economic crisis. This is not a task the two institutions could accomplish, without the cooperation of politicians and the public. Hence the need for the warring parties to soften their stands, make compromises and agree to a truce, so as to help create conditions for resuscitating the economy with the help of the IMF and friendly countries, which are already providing assistance. If the economy collapses, all Sri Lankans, including protesters, the power-hungry politicians and the ordinary people will lose. We must help others save us.”

Sadly, when looking at the way the parliamentarians in the opposition behave, it is unlikely that they will soften their stands and help to create conditions for resuscitating the economy; because their ulterior motives for power are surpassing their obligations to the country and its people. The editorial quite rightly identified the motives of pressurizing the President to ‘go home’, attempting to bring a no-confidence motion, asking the government to dissolve Parliament, demanding a general election,etc and the., repercussion of such actions.

On the other hand, most of the media, both print and electronic, are giving wide publicity to disastrous propaganda and worsening the situation, either knowing or not knowing its repercussions at all. The people who elected crooks and embezzlers to the Parliament, with the intention of fulfilling their own selfish desires, and public officials who are involved and looked on while these unscrupulous lawmakers misused public wealth since independence, are also responsible for the current economic crisis.

SANGADASA AKURUGODA