Whilst there is static in the air, the private sector is snoozing

In recent times some major issues have surfaced. The removal of a Chief Justice, what can and cannot be done under the current Constitution, and the independence of the Judiciary.

The press have been running headlines for many days. This has been a high profile topic, whirring around here and in the international community, which has also waded in with its views. Whilst all this static is in the air the private sector is having a snooze and remains silent, completely oblivious of its obligations to society

Private sector is an important force

The private sector in economic terms is by far the most important force, because Sri Lanka is basically a private sector-owned economy. In addition to the public quoted major companies, the private sector encompasses a raft of small and large companies like those in the apparel sector that are not public. It also includes the whole of agriculture, the retail network, fisheries, tourism, etc.

The role of Government is to provide the services that have to be subsidised like health and education and importantly, infrastructure. The Government has to provide a facilitating and enabling environment for the private sector to create growth and prosperity.

The private sector keeps silent

This important component of our economy does not participate actively in a dialogue to create a better society in terms of values and in the resolution of issues that are relevant to us all. To create a thriving democracy, all parts of society must contribute their thinking so that what emerges is a balanced view that represents the views of our people.

It is utterly irrational and indefensible to take the stance that our elected representatives in Parliament must do all the thinking and take all the necessary actions in respect of all matters that are relevant to the whole nation. Surely there is a responsibility to help our elected representatives by providing inputs of knowledge and advice. This means actively participating in dialogue and debate when there are difficult issues.

The major chambers

The major chambers and the trade associations have the organisations to perform this role. But sadly they do not perform this role. During the recent saga pertaining to the Chief Justice, their contribution was silence. They should have participated in a dialogue and then taken a position (whatever that may be) on the best way forward, and persuasively canvassed their views on what was best for Sri Lanka.

New issues

There are other major issues on the table, such as keeping removing or amending the 13th Amendment, the 18th Amendment, and further changes to the Constitution.

The important private sector must contribute its views on all these and such matters. It has a fine array of people with a wide range of outstanding skills and experience at its disposal to perform this role. However, they leave us with the perception that their sole concern is the profit and loss and balance sheet of their own businesses. There is no fire in the belly to create a better society.

Not all parts of the private sector are sufficiently organised to present a cohesive view. The farmers and the fisherman and small retailers, etc. fall in to this category. It should be the role of the major chambers to facilitate them to also express their views. The objective has to be to help to create a society where the views of the people are always heard.

There are individuals from the private sector who have done their bit and expressed their views on creating a better society, but the individual view will remain a voice in the wilderness. A collective voice from the major sectors will create a resonance where it matters.

Power lies with Parliament

In a democracy, the power lies with those we elect to Parliament. It’s good to always remember that the operative words are ‘we’ elect to Parliament. The politician who wants to be elected must stand for what the people want. Therefore they will always take careful cognisance of what public opinion manifests as the will and wish of the people. If they do not, they will not get elected

Let us hope that the leadership of the private sector will rise from their slumber and use their stature to help to create a better society.

I am sure the day will never come when the private sector will have to refuse to pay its taxes because their concerns and views are ignored. This society will never get to that state of anarchy, as I believe advice and views advanced with the sincere motivation of creating a better society will always be listened to with respect by any government.

(The writer has a Master of Arts Degree from Cambridge University, UK, and the AMP of Harvard Business School USA. He counts over 40 years of board experience having served as a Director of several companies in Sri Lanka and abroad. He was a Director on the main Board at Reckitt Benckiser PLC, UK, where he worked most of his career and at the time of his retirement was Global Director – Pharmaceuticals. He has served as the Chairman of the Board of Investment and Sri Lanka Telecom Limited and was a Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Finance. Currently, he serves as Chairman of Hemas Holdings PLC and First Capital PLC.)