Today IN YOUR OPINION we focus on Post the Presidential Election, which was a crucial turning point, a change election where voters were faced with decisions that will shape the country’s future for years to come. In today’s feature, Anusha David has interviewed a cross-section of professionals and academics for their views on the NPP’s policies following their presidential election win last month. How they feel about the NPP’s manifesto, and what impact their proposed changes will have on Sri Lanka's future.

“We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Dr W.A Wijewardena - Independent Economic Analyst

QUESTION 
The NPP has said that it will renegotiate the IMF programme and expedite the debt restructuring process with the aim of minimizing austerity measures, by demonstrating alternative means of revenue increase, fiscal consolidation, and foreign reserve building. What are your thoughts on this? Is this viable and what would be the pros and cons if this is pushed through?
 
ANSWER 
Though the NPP promised the electorate that it would renegotiate the IMF deal once it comes to power, the agreement it has reached with the high-level team of the Fund that visited Sri Lanka after the election is a continuation of the program which was started by the previous administration run by Ranil Wickremesinghe. Given the perilous state of the economy, the NPP would not have space for renegotiation of the program. Thus, the external debt restructuring which the previous administration had almost completed before the election will be fully completed by the new administration.

According to the IMF’s projection of the foreign financing gap of Sri Lanka during 2022-27, there is an unfinanced gap of US$ 25 billion, of which about US$ 17 billion was expected from the debt refinancing exercise. However, the present agreement which the NPP should fully implement, does not provide this relief. Consequently, by 2027 when the present IMF program will be over, the country will have to face a new problem by way of honoring its promises to foreign debt holders. 

Rosanna Flamer-Caldera – Executive Director Equal Ground

QUESTION  
 
The NPP backs a same-sex decriminalisation law. Dr Amasuriya has said ‘This is not a law which originated in our country; it was introduced during the Victorian era by the British [and] it should be amended.’ What challenges will the NPP face in passing this law and changing deeper prejudices in society?
 
ANSWER
While it makes perfect sense socially to decriminalise same sex relationships, it also makes economic sense! For example, LGBTIQ  tourists are considered high-potential tourists because they tend to spend more and travel more than other tourists.  Research shows they check the status of each travel destination - laws, religion, and levels of intolerance towards LGBTIQ individuals,  and mostly travel to countries that have inclusive policies. In 2019, Thailand's international LGBTQ tourism revenue reached US$6.5 billion!

Yes, there are ingrained prejudices in society currently, particularly due to these archaic laws,  mostly fueled by religious and political agendas.  But laws are and must be, subject to scrutiny and change, particularly if their aim is to discriminate and punish people for who and what they are.  It is simply the right thing to do.  Countries that criminalise the LGBTIQ community have decreased over the years including our closest neighbour India. So why not us?  Decriminalisation leads to a more vibrant society where everyone can make a difference and contribute to a nation's development economically and socially

Dr Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu - Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives

QUESTION

Jumbo cabinets are a practice of governments in Sri Lanka, while the NPP has claimed it will limit its own to 25 ministers and 25 deputy ministers. What do you think is the right size of an effective cabinet to run the country

ANSWER 

The right size for a cabinet will depend on the policies of the leadership constituting it. There could be specialized subjects which may require a separate cabinet minister or indeed a deputy minister, like for example in the area of finance. Cabinet -wise though, I think Sri Lanka could well do with15. 
 

Dhananath Fernando - CEO- Advocata Insititute 

QUESTION

The NPP’s policies include allocating 6% of GDP to Education. Whilst the Prime Minister has said this is not immediately possible post-election due to the current economic crisis, do you feel this is important for the government to push?
 
ANSWER
Increasing spending on education is a strong proposal in the NPP manifesto. However, beyond increasing spending, there is a need to enhance the quality of spending and develop an ecosystem that supports education. This requires more than just government funding. Ideally, vocational training centres, private universities, and education from primary to professional levels should involve multiple players, offering end users greater choice, affordability, and quality in education.
Allocating 6% of GDP will depend on various factors, such as taxation policies and the extent of collaboration with other stakeholders.

The NPP policy also proposes simplifying the customs tariff structure to stimulate growth, which is a crucial reform. It will help reduce consumer prices and curb corruption. However, the challenge for the NPP lies in balancing increased education expenditure with implementing structural reforms for economic growth. So far, their efforts to address the VISA issues in the tourism sector and debt restructuring are on the right track. State-owned enterprise reforms and cutting through bureaucratic red tape are essential to achieving revenue targets necessary for allocating 6% of GDP to education. Otherwise, hard-earned tax money will be wasted on unproductive state-owned entities, which will drag down our economy

Sumith Pilapitiya, Ph.D. - Environmental Scientist and Elephant Ethologist

QUESTION

Sustainability is one of the NPP’s key governing principles. ‘We are dedicated to a better world for future generations. Our commitment includes long-term environmental protection and sustainable resource use. We advocate harmonious coexistence between nature and humanity, prioritizing responsible resource usage over short-term gains.’ In this respect, what do you think their key focus should be in the next 5 years? 

ANSWER

A key focus of the NPP Government should be on biodiversity conservation and ensuring the integrity of natural ecosystems.  It is well-established that the development of a country needs ecosystem services as inputs for development, as ecosystems that are high in biodiversity provide greater ecosystem services.  Therefore conservation of biodiversity should be a priority for development; a fact that most governments in Sri Lanka never comprehended. 

Wildlife tourism has tremendous economic potential, with Sri Lanka recognized as having the potential to be the best wildlife tourism destination outside Africa. However, the trajectory of wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka is headed in the opposite direction.  With a paradigm shift to focus on a high-quality experience with nature interpretation, Sri Lanka can reach its wildlife tourism potential without overcrowding our National Parks.

A National Action Plan for Human Elephant Conflict Mitigation, based on science and successful pilot projects, has been developed and is in its early stages of implementation. It is essential that the Government continue implementation of this plan, instead of developing new plans as is the common practice.  " I've gotten to know elephants.....to appreciate what they are.  If human beings were better than they are, they'd be like elephants"  Wayne Hepburn

Marini de Livera - Chairperson, Sisters at Law (2018 to date), Winner of International Woman of Courage Award 2019 recognised by the US Secretary of State, Winner of the Commonwealth Points of Light Award 2020

QUESTION

Female representation in law-making is a popular topic even though it has consistently been below 7% amongst all political parties. Do you think the NPP’s focus on meritocracy instead of cronyism can successfully break the bias, starting with the upcoming general election? And what types of leadership qualities and competencies can women bring to resolve some of the burning social and national issues at hand?  
 
ANSWER
I refer to page 40 of the NPP Presidential Manifesto, which promises social and psychological support mechanisms for women affected by gender-based violence. The goals in the manifesto are practical and aimed at realizing the Right to a Life of Dignity for all Sri Lankans. However, achieving these goals requires a multi-pronged approach involving all stakeholders. The participation of all Sri Lankans is vital as we will be the beneficiaries of this "system change."

I feel happy and proud that an idea I had in 2005 and helped create, the Parliamentary Women's Caucus, is still functioning 20 years later.

Sri Lankan voters should elect true democratic, people-friendly women leaders, not passive or women Dictators. Our current Prime Minister is an exemplary political leader, and parties should nominate such individuals. The intelligent women voters of this country will then recognize and support them.

If this happens, point 4 of the NPP’s Presidential Manifesto will become a reality, and dysfunctional dead laws and toothless mechanisms will be resurrected, put into working order, and begin functioning efficiently.

Ahilan Kadirgamar - Political economist and senior lecturer at the University of Jaffna, member of the International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) and of Yukthi, a Debt Justice Collective in Sri Lanka

QUESTION  
 
Domestic debt restructuring. Following criticism and concerns about the current approach to managing the country’s debt (eg. undue weightage on EPF and leaving out the banking sector and primary dealers), do you see any possibility of amending or making changes? If so, what changes would you propose? 
 
ANSWER
Sri Lanka’s debt crisis has had a major impact on politics as seen with the historic election of President Dissanayake. The previous Government took forward the debt restructuring process in the interest of the national elite and the global creditors. In part due to pressure from the international bondholders, the Government decided to restructure domestic debt, even though it had only defaulted on its external debt. While the real constraint was the lack of foreign exchange, the IMF programme collapsed external and domestic debt and imposed tremendous austerity on the local economy.

The IMF target of total debt servicing of 13% of GDP each year was to be met by restructuring Treasury Bonds held by working people’s retirement funds. This amounts to a reduction in value of 0.5% of GDP each year over the next sixteen years. Appallingly, the banks, finance companies and wealthy individual investors went scot-free. The working people such as garment workers and tea pluckers who earn below minimum wages will see their retirement funds decline by almost half. The new Government should recapitalize retirement funds to redress this great injustice by floating new domestic bonds to be eventually absorbed by the Government.

Prof. Eugene de Silva PhD, FRSA, President - Virginia Research Institute, USA, President – Tennessee Association of Science Department Chairs, Fulbright Specialist – USA

QUESTION 
What structural changes do the NPP need to implement in the education system in the medium term to produce market-ready labour for Sri Lanka to be globally competitive as an investment destination?
 
ANSWER
If true national progress is sought, the betterment of the educational system must be at the forefront of all initiatives. A nation cannot progress without meaningful changes to its educational system, so students understand the real-world application of knowledge.
 
Recommendations
1.     Children begin formal education at age 3 and finish school by age 18 at the latest.
2.     The British educational system should be replaced with a unique Sri Lankan framework that can be promoted globally. High school concludes at the 10th grade - subjects include separate science disciplines, all branches of mathematics, ethics, logic, civics, and the Sinhala, English, and Tamil languages, and other foreign languages.
3.     Introduction of an independent, regulatory body to establish quality standards and monitor operations at educational institutes.
4.     After high school, students select vocational or academic paths leading to degrees completed within 3 – 4 years.
5.     Degree programs should integrate multidisciplinary research, combining science, arts, and commerce. I recommend that NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) be converted to associate degrees and vocational degrees.
6.     An independent educational system should prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Move away from a rigid examination-focused approach.
7.     Encourage partnerships with foreign universities and support online.

Suresh Shah – Former Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

QUESTION
Improper state asset utilization continues to be a concern. The recent showroom of vehicles at Galle Face indicates a large number of vehicles were given to the president’s personal staff. Some people are even proposing to auction off these vehicles What are your thoughts on governments promising to eliminate waste in the public sector? Is it wishful thinking or can it be done?

ANSWER 
There is much scope to reduce waste in the public sector. The “showroom of vehicles” as you put it, is the tip of the iceberg. The greater waste is in the form of white elephant projects (on borrowed funds which contributed to the financial crisis), procurement lapses, projects based on unsolicited proposals, countless tamashas etc. The numbers in the public service must also be addressed although much more challenging to resolve. The incumbent President is well placed to bring the necessary changes and channel the funds saved into critical areas such as education, health care and an apolitical, well-implemented safety net for the underprivileged. 
 

Lalani Perera – Attorney at Law, Animal Welfare Activist, Member of Animal Welfare Steering Committee and former Additional Secretary (Legal), Ministry of Justice

QUESTION:
The NPP opposes all forms of animal abuse and has promised to introduce an Animal Welfare Bill. What should be the Bill’s main areas of focus?
 
RESPONSE
“Revive the lapsed Bill and present it for approval by the new Parliament”.
All Election Manifestos since 2006 included a similar pledge but attempts to fulfill that pledge have so far failed. It must however be acknowledged that at the time of Parliament’s dissolution last month,  the Animal Welfare Bill recommended by Sri Lanka’s Law Commission, almost 20 years ago, was on the Parliament’s Order Paper awaiting debate. 

The following are the main areas of focus which require to be addressed in the Bill proposed by the NPP.   It is observed that these focus areas have been dealt with in the Law Commission’s Bill.
Law reforms required to address animal cruelty and abuse are  :
•        Updating the outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance of 1907;
•        Defining “animal” widely;
•        Recognizing a plethora of new offences;
•        Prescribing deterrent punishments ;
•        Providing strong implementing mechanisms;
•        Regulating methods of animal transport;
•        Regulating  of pet shops;
•        Regulating the use of animals for experiments;
•        Prescribing strict conditions for the humane slaughter of food animals
•        Addressing the lethargy of the police to treat animal cruelty incidents effectively

All these areas have been comprehensively addressed in the Law Commission’s Animal Welfare Bill. It conveyed an important message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated. The Bill came under the purview of the Agriculture Ministry. In  2019, a  Court of Appeal directive called for the Bill’s expeditious enactment.

The Bill underwent a highly consultative process where all interested parties were given a hearing.
The Bill was presented in Parliament in 2022 and was considered by a Parliamentary Caucus, with the  Parliamentary Oversight Committee thereafter submitting its Report. 

When Parliament was dissolved last month, the only remaining steps were to debate and pass it.  The NPP’s task is easy, as all the spade work is done. The lapsed Bill can easily be revived and presented for approval by the new Parliament.
 

Saliya Pieris, LL.B., LL.M. (London), President's Counsel

QUESTION
The government has claimed to have started a fresh investigation into the Easter Attack. While the Easter Attack was a singularly tragic incident, how do you see the path to re-establishing the rule of law and accountability as it affects not only the fabric of our society as a whole but also the larger economy? 

ANSWER
The rule of law and accountability are crucial for driving effective change in Sri Lanka, underpinning both economic stability and democracy. The victims of the Easter Attack, along with the Church, have been tirelessly seeking truth and justice. Beyond the Easter Attack, numerous other victims of impunity by state and non-state actors over the decades also deserve to uncover the truth and access justice. This includes the families of the disappeared in both the north and south.

To genuinely achieve truth and justice, we need robust and capable institutions. However, we must be cautious not to reduce truth and justice to mere political slogans. It is essential to ensure that the pursuit of truth and justice remains unpoliticized. What we truly need are strong, independent, and efficient institutions. The government must establish the necessary legal and structural frameworks and provide these institutions with adequate resources. It is imperative that these institutions are staffed by independent and competent individuals who will not yield to political pressure. The government itself must ensure these institutions have the autonomy to operate independently, free from political influence.
 

Sankhitha Gunaratne - Head of Governance and Anti-Corruption (Deputy Director), Verité Research

QUESTION
Institutionalized corruption is always a popular topic when it comes to elections. To name a few: the promise to prosecute those responsible for the bond deals in 2015 and before, and popular claims by the NPP to have evidence of corrupt politicians. The people’s mandate to the NPP is primarily to stop corruption, but how practical is it to prosecute financial crimes in the current system? Do you think the NPP will be able to overcome some of the larger barriers that stand in the way of reducing/eliminating institutionalized corruption?
 

ANSWER

The new government is faced with the unique challenge of having to deliver on fighting corruption while keeping to the exacting standards of governance that they have set for themselves. They must act quickly so that results can be seen almost immediately. However, we know that in Sri Lanka, justice and accountability, even if unimpeded by political and vested interests, take time.

The average criminal case takes 10.2 years to reach a verdict, excluding appeals.  It is in this context, that the government has to deliver on its promises to take on accountability for many egregious crimes from the past. They will face many hurdles, including that the evidence and witnesses of financial crimes may no longer be available, or may have been destroyed. However, it is important to start, in good faith. What the people need to see, is movement in the right direction. It must also be made clear whether corruption at any level will be tolerated by the new government, including within their own ranks. A key part of this process is ensuring that the independence of the prosecuting authorities is assured and that they are exceptionally well-resourced. Any leadership given to the process, however, should stop short of interference, or what might look like a political witch-hunt.