Dr. Athukorala addresses Administrative sector

• Even if 1960’s plan is implemented we can achieve 6%+ GDP growth – Dr. Athukorala

At the two-day program organised by SLIDA for the Administrative Service sector of the Government of Sri Lanka, Dr. Rohantha Athukorala addressing the audience voiced that recent research done by Pathfinder Institute has revealed that in 2017 around 54% of the budget proposals have been actioned for implementation with 8% fulfilled, 22% substantial fulfilment whilst 24% partial fulfilment. 

This performance has resulted in a GDP of growth 3-4% GDP growth which is not a very healthy performance for a country in the South Asian growth economic block, said Dr. Athukorala who was the first Executive Director of the National Council for Economic Development (NCED), the key policy making body at the Ministry of Finance. 

Dr. Athukorala went on to state that even if Sri Lanka implements the 1960 Economic Development Plans we can go on to achieve a 6% plus GDP growth. The logic being that what Sri Lanka requires is ‘Basic fundamental economic development initiatives and not hybrid and sophisticated agendas’. 

The Pathfinder Institute reported that 11% of the budget proposals of 2017 was not disclosed on the progress which is unfortunate given that it accounted for 21.6 billion rupees in value. Given the Right for Information act, this is not a good strategy for a country that is moving up the Freedom Index post 2015.  Sri Lanka is incidentally one of the best in the South Asian countries on the freedom index and is said to touch a global average very soon said Dr. Athukorala a former chairman of Sri Lanka Export and Sri Lanka Tourism Board.

“Based on my experience, majority of public sector have a talent/skill set way above the private sector given that one must be a first or second class honours graduate to enter the public rector whilst they are committed and passionate. What is required is strong leadership,” he said.