Saturday, 3 August 2013 00:25
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On 31 July 2013, the first discussion forum for the National Policy on Social Integration took place at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKIIRSS). The forum was jointly hosted by the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration, with the support of the German Development Corporation (GIZ); and held under the patronage of Vasudeva Nanayakkara. The forum was entitled ‘Discussion Forum I: Access to Economic Activities and Employment’ and the panellists included Dr. Indrajith Coomarasawmy, Dr. Chandra Embuldeniya, Anushka Wijiesinha, Piyanga Hettiarachi and Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda. Following is the welcome address delivered by the Executive Director of the LKIIRSS Asanga Abeyagoonasekara:
Good afternoon, Minister of National Languages and Social Integration Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Your Excellencies, our panellists and distinguished guests.
On behalf of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies, I warmly welcome everyone to the National Policy on Social Integration, Discussion Forum One on Access to Economic Activities and Employment, jointly organized by the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Ministry of National Languages and Social Integration, and the German Development Cooperation -GIZ.
After 30 years of conflict, Sri Lanka has entered a new chapter in its history. In order for Sri Lanka to prosper and maintain peace, social harmony is of utmost importance. Today’s discussion focuses on access to economic activities and employment, how enhancing fair and equitable access to social services and benefits, and strengthening social protection and livelihoods is key in fostering social integration.
As a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum I have travelled to many places around the world, and I have witnessed the importance of access to economic activity and employment. In San Pancho, Mexico I visited a community that had no access to education due to their economic condition. The community had got together, with the help of a remarkable lady, Nicole Swedlow and put up a school call ‘Entreamigos’ to provide education without any government support. The lack of education, which results in limited economic opportunities, is a contributing factor to the unfortunate environment in Mexico where there are many drug related and socio economic problems.
In India two million children die of malnutrition and many don’t have access to economic opportunities nor education. When I visited Anganwadi, a community centre in Gurgaon I saw children and mothers being given education, food and basic medicine. Initiatives like this are extremely important and highlight the level of poverty present. I saw a similar situation in a poor community in Kchayelitsha, South Africa where poverty and lack of economic opportunity have created many societal issues, which hamper the development of a country. What these examples highlight is the importance access to economic activity and employment has in shaping people’s lives and the development of a country.
It is imperative in Sri Lanka’s post conflict era that there is equal access and opportunity for economic activities and employment. Discrimination in this regard occurs worldwide and is a source of much tension and anger as people’s livelihoods are directly affected. The National Policy Framework for Social Integration addresses the issue of access to Economic Activities and Employment. I hope the discussion we have today will contribute in aiding the Ministry’s initiative and introduce some new perspectives and ideas on how best ensure that everyone has equal opportunities in the economy.
In his book ‘Development for Freedom,’ Amartya Sen makes a resonant point, “the enhancement of freedom is ultimately an important motivating factor for assessing economic and social change,” freedom in this regard means people being able to freely enter the labour force, freely gain employment and freely have access to economic activities without any form of discrimination or marginalization. This, Sen argues, will contribute to economic development and social change.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle said: “It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace.” Peace can only be achieved when all groups in our society can live in harmony, when there is social integration. The National Policy on Social Integration is an important first step in achieving long lasting, sustainable peace. Sri Lanka is fortunate to have a robust economy, experiencing a surge with the closing of the war, it is only fair and just that all sections of society benefit from this. By ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities and access to economic activities and employment we are taking steps in this direction.
I would like to thank the Minister and everyone who is supporting this initiative and present today.
Thank you.
