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Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday, 5 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Fifty percent of the Budget is allocated to the Rajapaksa family, stresses Chairman of the Leadership Council of the United National Party Karu Jayasuriya, adding that it is a casino and Rajapaksa friendly but anti-people Budget.
Jayasuriya points out that there are price hikes all around the Budget and as a result the cost of living will go up by at least Rs. 3,000. “We oppose the present prioritisation of expenditure. Look at what is allocated to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development?” he charges.
“What does development mean? To the individual it means jobs, How can anyone say it is a development’ Budget?” queries Jayasuriya, emphasising that development means jobs for the individual, houses and health and for the country it means production, manufacturing and exports. The manufacturing base has not expanded and exports have declined in the past decade, he asserts.
Following are excerpts of an
interview with the Daily FT:
Q: How would you describe this Budget?
A: The Budget clearly demonstrated that this Government lacks a clear cut economic plan and a sense of direction for the people or the country, except of course casino type growth. This Budget has not done anything to improve industries and increase production. It has taken no initiative to uplift the poor and the needy. It’s an anti-consumer Budget. It has imposed tax on food. Although this Government talked about a caring society in the last Budget, it has been completely forgotten. This Government does not have a medium term or a long term plan for anything. Everything is for short term political gain.
Q: Do you agree that it is a ‘development’ Budget?
A: What does development mean? To the individual it means jobs, houses and health and for the country it means production, manufacturing and exports. You can clearly see that the manufacturing base has not expanded and exports have declined in the past decade so how can anyone say it is a ‘development’ Budget?
Q: Don’t you think it is good to focus on reducing the budget deficit?
A: Yes I think it’s a good thing to focus on reducing the budget deficit.
Q: This Budget has less concentration on growth but mainly focuses on reducing the budget deficit. So why does the UNP oppose it?
A: The public expenditure program is entirely focused on hard infrastructure. It should have been focused on education and health. We oppose the present prioritisation of expenditure. Look at what is allocated to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. The allocation is over 270 billion. The big stick of military might has taken priority over education and health. 50% of the Budget is allocated to the Rajapaksa family. This is a casino and Rajapaksa friendly but anti people Budget. How can we support this Budget, which is a total scam like everything else in this country today?
Q: There was much discussion that the country was losing because the Government was not allowing value addition. But this Budget allows that and even goes to the extent of allowing tea blending. How do you see this move?
A: Value addition is to be welcomed. But import substitution has to be very selective. Where we already have a production or export base, we must encourage further value addition.
Q: The Government claims this is not a political Budget; no concessions or subsidies have been granted to the people. Isn’t this good for the country economically in the long run?
A: The Government’s claims are misleading. Budgets are political instruments. The Government employs over 1.4 million people of whom 1/3 is the armed forces and police. The production and efficiency of the Government sector is suspect. So these payments are akin to transfer payments.
Q: There were no heavy burdens on the people; no significant price hikes, but you still describe this as a negative Budget. Why?
A: There are price hikes all around. The increase per kilo of chick peas is Rs. 5, green gram is Rs. 2, Maldive fish is Rs. 27, sugar Rs. 3, sprats Rs. 16, dried fish Rs. 27, etc. As a result of the taxes on food, we anticipate that the cost of living will go up by at least Rs. 3,000.
Q: Do you feel that this Budget lacks clarity?
A: Of course it lacks clarity. There is no political direction at all. Sri Lanka was in a favourable position after the end of the war to utilise the advantages accruing from the Asian growth, but because there was no vision or clarity, the Rajapaksa administration has failed to utilise the full potential of this advantage. Because of the callous attitude they have towards the masses, we can say that the Rajapaksa administration is now out of touch with the aspirations of the people. Because of their political arrogance, they don’t want to listen to the professionals anymore. It’s either their way or the highway. Professionals who care for this country have now taken a backseat and only ‘yes men’ are tolerated.
Q: We haven’t seen many protests in the past few months. Your comments?
A: Protests are a sign of a healthy democracy. Protests need not be street protests alone. It’s about having alternative views expressed in different forms. The lack of such dissent is not a sign that the people are satisfied with everything around them. In fact the lack of protest or visible dissent is a sign of the deteriorating democracy in this country. The message given to the protesters at Weliweriya is very clear. Can we expect people to protest when they are shot at by the regime? People will show their dissent in a more effective way at a national election.
Q: What is the latest on the UNP leadership crisis?
A: Well, first and foremost there is no leadership crisis in the UNP. We are a democratic party. Therefore, anyone can aspire to become the leader of our party. Our leadership succession doesn’t depend on family or dynasty, unlike the regime. Therefore, from time to time there will naturally be differences among us. The Leadership Council has provided an opportunity for the young leaders of our party to demonstrate their abilities. They must show how they are not one man or one woman shows, but can work as a collective and take responsibility for the party. It’s an ideal opportunity. I am confident that through this process not only will the UNP be stronger but the natural leaders of the party will emerge.
Q: Although it was agreed to set up a Leadership Council, the move failed to deliver the expected results. Your comments?
A: I totally disagree. Today the opportunity is there to reform our party and create unity. The young leaders of the party can use this council to demonstrate their prowess. It showcases the democratic nature of the UNP, which is in contrast to the ruling regime.
Q: What is the difference between the previous leadership and the existing leadership?
A: The council is a collective. It has distinct responsibility. No one can say we didn’t have a say. Anyone who wishes to become the leader of the UNP can demonstrate what they are capable of through the LC.
Q: What do you think about the allegations that Sajith Premadasa has betrayed both his supporters and party supporters?
A: You have to ask Sajith that. However, I do urge him to work with the LC to deliver what all UNPers want – a united party that can form the next government. If we all work together rather than on individual agendas, we can serve the people of this country. I hope he sees the opportunities presented through the LC. His seat at the LC is still vacant.
Q: What is the way out of this situation?
A: For all those who love the UNP and this country to work together for the common good, which is toppling this dictatorial regime. Our personal ambitions and agendas can take a backseat for the moment. The situation is too grave. The UNP has always come to the rescue of the people of this country when in dire need. Now is that time for unity. It is time we concentrate on our obligations rather than concentrate on our rights.
Q: How prepared is your party to face an election?
A: We are prepared for any challenge. There is no democratic environment in this country. The media is suppressed. Dissent is crushed. Ethno-religious nationalism is on the rise. Yet despite all these challenges we are a party that will rise to the occasion. At the next national election the results will surprise this Government.
