Today on IN YOUR OPINION we focus on the extremely relevant topic of ‘CHOICES & DECISIONS ’ where a diverse range of Professionals are interviewed by Anusha David. “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness”. Martin Luther King Jr.  

This Presidential Election is a crucial turning point, a change election where voters will be faced with decisions that shape the country’s future for years to come. The contest presents stark choices between traditional approaches and new alternatives: established hands versus fresh minds, market freedom versus state control, transparency versus corruption, national interests versus globalism, social conservatism versus progressivism, law and order versus dysfunction and disorder, and biodiversity loss versus habitat protection. In a moment that will define the direction of our nation, which choices will you prioritize to secure the future you believe in?

Krishan Balendra, Chairperson-CEO of John Keells Holdings PLC. 

Q: What do you consider to be the priorities in establishing Sri Lanka’s economy on a firm footing, paving the way for sustained economic growth and development?

A: Sri Lanka has made significant headway on fiscal consolidation through the implementation of difficult, but much-needed economic and structural reforms. Given the narrow fiscal space, it is vital that these measures continue to be sustained over a period of time. Preserving the independence of institutions, good governance, credibility and transparency will be pivotal in improving consumer and business confidence. The revival of the tourism sector will continue to be instrumental in the country’s economic recovery, and concerted efforts should be made to devise and implement a sustained campaign to drive arrivals. Given Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical positioning and proximity to India, transportation and logistics will be a key driver of the economy. Investment in infrastructure and digital networks will be crucial for improving productivity.

Focus should also be placed on further building external reserves, and strengthening tax, and social safety net measures. Addressing education and skills development is also imperative. By aligning educational outcomes with industry needs, we can usher in a workforce equipped to drive innovation and economic growth and curtail brain drain. Each of these priorities involves complex challenges, but addressing them comprehensively can create a more resilient and dynamic economy, capable of sustaining long-term growth.

Brito Fernando – President Families of the Disappeared

Q: As Chairman of the Families of the Disappeared, a credible truth and justice process is desperately needed to right a grievous wrong that has been perpetrated on thousands of families. In order to do so, what in your opinion is most crucial in this election in resolving this pressing issue where these enforced disappearances have impacted the very fabric of our society?

A: Making promises at public meetings and in election manifestos won’t be of any help in obtaining justice unless these promises are fulfilled. Political leaders change their promises without any hesitation. The only thing they cannot evade is this matter because  Sri Lanka is on the agenda of Geneva, continuously and due to the struggle of the victims' families who refuse to give in.

No presidential candidate has mentioned clearly at least in his manifesto ( in most of them nothing was mentioned) how they are going to resolve this. They are afraid of talking about accountability as they think it will affect their Southern Sinhala vote. After the war the issue of disappearances is treated as something that happened only to the Tamils, forgetting the families in the South who also underwent the same fate, in 1989. Politicians do not have the political will to right a wrong and most of them have blood on their hands. We need a bold leader who is willing to correct the past and ensure justice is meted out to these families, as it is the only way to prevent these grievous wrongs /crimes from being enacted.

Rohan Pethiyagoda - Scientist, author and biodiversity scientist who has served almost half his career in senior government positions. 

Q: Though primarily recognized as Sri Lanka’s most distinguished biodiversity scientist, as a public-policy advocate, in this defining moment of Sri Lanka’s recent history, what bold steps need to be taken by the next government to ensure Good Governance becomes a standard and not a mere glib statement?

Genuine transparency is the key. We need to stop corruption not just by investigating and prosecuting corrupt deals after they happen, but stop corrupt deals before they happen, as I helped to do in the cases of the visa and the Mannar wind power issues. I think this is best achieved by having an anti-corruption Ombudsman with powers to look into and stop corrupt deals before they cause the government to lose billions. This is achievable, e.g. as a presidential adviser, without needing any new laws. Productivity is the key to economic growth and prosperity. How about limiting public holidays per year to 10? That alone will increase GDP by maybe 2 per cent. Finally, we need to fix the broken free-education system. Despite crippling investment in private tuition, two-thirds of boys and a half of girls end their school careers as failures, without passing their A levels. The free education system is a farce. It is time to test-run a cooperative education system in which low-achieving teachers can be fired.

Graham Marshall - President WNPS

Q: The word biodiversity is of recent origin. However, we have a strong tradition in our culture in the conservation of our biological wealth. Our ancient records have numerous references to the initiatives taken by the rulers to preserve flora and fauna. For instance, King Devanampiyatissa declared an animal sanctuary in the 3rd century BC. Within the Asian region, Sri Lanka has the highest species density for flowering plants, amphibians, reptiles and mammals! Alas, successive governments in recent times have forgotten their obligation to our planet. At a time when climate change is threatening to devastate the world as we know it what steps must the government put into motion to preserve our ecosystem?

A: Sri Lanka is a Global Biodiversity hotspot. There are 36 such places on the planet. This classification means that we are home to 0.5% of the world's vascular plants, but we have lost 70% of our vegetation. Endowed with such rich biodiversity, we progressively destroy our habitats.

Why, and at what cost?  Pressures of economic development are fast ripping the seams of the fabric that holds together our limited forest cover and marine habitats. The fallout - rampant human-elephant conflict, increasing leopard deaths, loss of habitat for our resident and migratory birds and destruction of marine habitats. Yes, habitat protection is the only way. It desperately calls for a paradigm shift.

Policy formulation needs to embrace science and data. Understanding the concept of ecosystem services is pivotal. With this arises the need for the use of technology and investment. Building private sector and international partnerships is vital. An area that needs immediate attention is to understand the critical importance of conserving what is now called the Other State Forests. Tangible solutions to many issues like the human-elephant conflict will begin at this point. The "shotgun" approach or the export of monkeys and elephants will surely not emerge as solutions to this new paradigm. It's not too late - we can still make that change!!

Murtaza Jafferjee, Chairman of the Advocata Institute

Q: This Presidential Election is a crucial turning point, a change election where voters will be faced with decisions that shape the country’s future for years to come. What are the most crucial issues that need to be addressed and resolved if  Sri Lanka is to achieve political and economic stability?

A: Two key issues have dominated this election: corruption and the economy. Corruption takes two main forms—political corruption, which involves the abuse of power to maintain control, influence policy, or benefit financially, and bureaucratic corruption, where public officials exploit their positions for personal gain. There are two crucial steps to addressing this. First, the next President must set a clear tone of integrity from the top, demonstrating zero tolerance for corruption within his administration. Second, it’s essential to reduce systemic vulnerabilities to corruption. The IMF’s governance diagnostic report has outlined 16 key recommendations, which should be swiftly implemented over the next 12 months. An independent public prosecutor should also be established within the next 24 months.

While economic stability has been achieved, the recovery remains fragile. Any reversal of recent reforms or further delays in completing the third IMF programme review and finalizing debt restructuring could derail progress. There's also a semantic issue when some claim they will "renegotiate" the Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA). What they likely mean is renegotiating the debt itself, as the DSA is merely a methodology—essentially an Excel model used to assess debt viability. The priority must be accelerating economic growth through sensible, pragmatic policies. Dogmatic adherence to any specific ideology is risky—it’s what contributed to the last crisis. As Deng Xiaoping famously said, "It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice."

The focus should be on letting markets through prices allocate resources, with competition as the key driver of the system. Crony capitalism, which thrived in a highly extractive political and economic environment, must be dismantled by adopting more open trade policies and fostering a truly competitive economy. This, in turn, will lower prices and reduce the cost of living, offering a more sustainable solution than cutting taxes. Lastly, you will be operating within a political economy shaped by vested interests that will try hard to derail progressive policies. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain regular communication with the public, consistently explaining and reinforcing the rationale behind enacted policies.

Dharshan Munidasa -  Founder, Owner & Chef – Nihonbashi, Ministry of Crab, Carne Diem Grill Recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador

Q: As an entrepreneur who has succeeded in taking his brand internationally despite the prevailing country predicament and the global pandemic, what in your opinion is most crucial in this election in resolving our many crises?

A: Sri Lankans are more connected to the world than ever before to get information. With this information, we can do so much more to make our country a better place in many different aspects. The election presents us with a choice to make a decision for a better Sri Lanka, but we need to weigh the pros and cons of the stark realities of the plight of Sri Lanka in the last few years. As someone in business who is taking Sri Lanka to the global stage through my restaurants, as someone taking young Sri Lankans to the world, educating them, giving them an opportunity to taste and feel and know other cultures and cuisine, we need economic stability, we need stability in education, governance, environmental policies and politics so that Sri Lanka can prosper. So at this election, I hope Sri Lankans remember the good, the bad, the ugly of our past and vote with a clear conscience for the future of Sri Lanka.

Chandra  Jayaratne – Former President, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce

Q: In a moment that will define the direction of our nation, which choices will you prioritize to secure the future you believe in? 

A: With the IMF assessing the economy which is still vulnerable, and the path to debt sustainability knife-edged with corruption, vulnerabilities, and governance weaknesses, the newly elected must be persons of integrity and capability, committed to prioritizing the democratization of Sri Lanka, upholding of law and order and fundamental rights.   The abolition of the Executive Presidency, replaced by a Westminster-type parliamentary system, a bicameral legislature, overseeing sustainable high macroeconomic growth, and monetary stability, adhering to ministerial codes of conduct limiting powers of direction and control over the executive, assuring power sharing, with strong checks and balances by an independent judiciary, equitable distribution of resources with parliamentary committees, an Auditor General and independent institutions holding key decision makers and executives, accountable and subject to audit surcharge, assuring transparency, upholding the right to information, good governance, effective law enforcement, with an independent public prosecutor imposing penal sanctions against bribery, corruption, money laundering and noncompliance with laws and regulations, are a MUST. If these essentials are not put in place forthwith, the consequences are catastrophic!  

Saliya Pieris - PC, Former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka

Q: As a PC  and former President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, hailed as "Sri Lankan of The Year", for your efforts during the 2022 protests, what in your opinion is most crucial in this election in resolving the pressing issues we are faced with especially re the judiciary and upholding of the law?

A: The claim that the economy must take priority over governance is a fallacy. Over the years we have witnessed a steady decline in the rule of law and democratic values. The decline in the rule of law has resulted in impunity and gross human rights abuse and mismanagement of the economy. The crisis of 2022 is essentially a crisis of governance resulting from the breakdown of key institutions involved in governance.  To achieve economic and social stability, institutions including Parliament, the Judiciary, the Public Service, the Police, and the Commissions must be strengthened. Corruption and mindless waste of public resources must be addressed. To this end, I believe it is necessary to elect a President who has demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding and protecting the independence and integrity of the judiciary, the Constitutional Council, the police, the public service, the Central Bank, and independent commissions. We need a President willing to safeguard these institutions from unwarranted political interference and pressure. Sri Lanka needs a President who respects the electoral and democratic process, and the judiciary, and who has consistently stood for the protection of the fundamental rights of the people.

LALANI PERERA - Attorney at Law, Animal Welfare Activist, Member  Animal  Welfare  Steering  Committee And Former Additional Secretary (Legal), Ministry Of Justice

Q: As a nation of primarily Buddhists where ‘Metta’ kindness to all, especially animals is advocated, we are yet to have in place an Animal Welfare Bill, a necessity in any developed country. As a lawyer and one involved in drafting the Bill, what in your opinion is most crucial in this election in enacting this most essential cornerstone of a civilized and humane society? 

A: In view of the current economic crisis where everything is calculated in terms of monetary value, we have lost sight of sustainable economic growth. Short-term economic benefits must never be at the cost of environmental protection. Animals are an integral part of the environment; they perform a vital role in the prevention of biodiversity loss and habitat protection. It is a shame that the Animal Welfare Bill has been misinterpreted as an obstacle to agricultural growth, and those politically connected to agriculture are delaying its enactment with flimsy excuses that the government will lose the votes of the farmers if animals used for agriculture are required to be treated humanely! That typically narrow political stance fails to reflect the reality that the rural farmer treats his cow with respect and would not want its life expectancy reduced due to cruelty. That would be counter-productive to his livelihood. With the Presidential Election imminent, political will to address Animal Cruelty must be clearly demonstrated. Today, in many jurisdictions, animals are recognized as Non-Human Persons and not mere chattel.

A quarter century (almost) has lapsed and the Animal Welfare Bill recommended by Sri Lanka’s Law Commission is still on the Parliament’s Order Paper. Shame - for a nation that boasts of a rich animal-friendly cultural heritage!  Today, where animals receive legal recognition in many nations as nonhuman persons, we in what is proudly proclaimed a “Thrice Blessed Country”, have only an archaic, three-page 1907 law, outdated to the core. The Bill, based on global animal welfare norms, is pursued by the Agriculture Ministry. A Court of Appeal directive calls for its expeditious enactment. Pledges in Sri Lanka’s past Election Manifestos promising effective animal protection laws remain unimplemented. A majority of parliamentarians support the Bill;  but a handful are blocking it, fearing loss of political support, and one even bellowing that all dogs must be killed! Receiving Cabinet approval in 2021, the Bill was presented in Parliament in 2022 and considered by the Parliamentary Oversight Committee. The only remaining steps are to debate and pass it.  However, many months have lapsed and the Bill still remains on the Order Paper. It has been an arduous mission.  And, one can only hope that the Bill will be passed before Parliament’s impending dissolution.

Mihiru Perera - Director, Buildmart Lanka PVT Ltd, Ex-Co Member, Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE)

Q: The construction industry which contributed around 9.6 % to the GDP and involves nearly 2.6 million stakeholders directly and indirectly, was hit very badly during COVID and thereafter by the Economic Crisis. What steps need to be taken to revive and sustain this industry which is a cornerstone of our economy? 

A: Like many Sri Lankan industries, construction too is heavily import-dependent and it’s imperative that we attract foreign aid / funded projects to create opportunities for this industry to operate. Political stability which will directly craft an economic solidity is of the essence in achieving both those pivotal points. Apart from the above, due to the volatile environment in the recent past, we have seen a huge brain drain of technically sound professionals taking opportunities overseas, hence creating a massive vacuum of professionals in our industry.

The challenge for whoever comes into power is to soon pave the way for political and economic stability, with short and long-term realistic policy guidelines with an efficient administrative framework, that will establish investor confidence both locally and internationally, paving the way for public and private infrastructure projects which are paramount to kickstart the industry. For years governments in power have looked at implementing a ‘one-stop shop’ framework for foreign investors, but to date, the processes we have in place, alienate those who want to invest, whereas the region has less complex and more welcoming mechanisms. SO IT'S TIME TO CHANGE FAST AND ALIGN WITH THE REST  OF THE WORLD IN ESTABLISHING  BASIC PROCESSES!

Gayani de Alwis - Management Consultant & Lecturer, Vice Chairperson Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce [WCIC], Director Logicare Pvt Ltd

Q: As the incoming Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce where should our focus lie with regards to enabling a permanent and lasting change, one that focuses on Economic Growth and Good Governance?

A: As we face up to this election, it may not be too dramatic If I state that Sri Lanka is facing an existential threat!  Elections have been grand stages for promises and over the years we have heard a lot and seen almost all of them brazenly broken.  If we had converted at least 1% of the promises made up to now, we would have a different Sri Lanka today.  At this critical juncture, we need the leadership to walk the talk and bring sincerity to the task at hand.  

The 52% of Sri Lankans whom we represent, have multiple unresolved challenges. The Women’s Chamber has made numerous submissions and continues to highlight issues related to the economic participation of women.  We are not asking for handouts but we need a level playing field. The positive work that was done to consolidate labour laws should not be derailed.  The President, whoever comes into power, must ensure stability continue good policies, and change what is not in line with our path to recovery. Each group in the labour force needs to be engaged to contribute to the economy. Currently, female labour force participation in the country is at 32%.  No leader could expect the economy to grow, by leaving this 52% behind. It’s time to think.  Time to promise responsibly and above all, time to act!

Malik Fernando - Co-Chair, MJF Holdings/Dilmah Tea

Q: Hailing from one of Sri Lanka’s most successful entrepreneurial families, who have positioned both tea and hospitality as luxury brands, what does Sri Lanka need at this most crucial of moments in its recent history in order to achieve sustained economic growth and stability?

A: We are not at a crossroads but on a single path that any future leader committed to progress must follow. After decades of squander and decline which led to the crisis of 2022, we’ve had a brief respite over the past 18 months. However, sustained recovery demands an unwavering focus on tackling rampant corruption and reforming governance to ensure competence and meritocracy. To realize our full potential and create a stable, prosperous Sri Lanka, fundamental administrative changes are essential. This means upholding the rule of law and ensuring that institutions serve the people effectively. The recent regional turmoil underscores the risks of inaction. Tourism, a sector with immense potential, has underperformed due to state-imposed limitations. Similarly, the Ceylon tea industry has suffered from misguided policies and political interference. Revitalizing the economy requires attracting high-quality foreign and domestic investments, which hinges on the reforms mentioned above. By addressing corruption, improving governance, and fostering a conducive environment for investment, we can transform Sri Lanka into a thriving and harmonious nation for its people.

Ashroff Omar - Group Chief Executive Officer of Brandix Apparel [Pvt ] Limited, has been a key figure in reshaping Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, pioneering environmentally friendly manufacturing and establishing the world’s first Net-Zero Carbon and LEED platinum-rated apparel manufacturing facilities.

Q: The total number of employees serving the apparel sector is purported at 15% of the entire country’s industrial workforce. Brandix is the leading garment manufacturer in Sri Lanka with a 50-year history, with you playing  a pivotal role in reshaping the Sri Lankan apparel industry,  which choices do you think need prioritizing to secure the future you believe in for a growth-led, eco-friendly economy ?”  

A: As we look ahead, the choices we make now will shape the future of our economy and the apparel industry. It’s clear that the path forward requires responsible leadership, ensuring that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. A key element of this will be accelerating digital transformation, adopting advanced technologies like AI and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Transparency is also essential—we need a system built on accountability and fairness, where organizations that prioritize long-term value can thrive. At the same time, protecting our environment is equally crucial. My hope is that we collectively build a regenerative economy that not only drives progress but also replenishes resources, giving future generations hope for a more equitable tomorrow. While the challenges are real, I’m confident that by educating and empowering individuals and communities, we can pave the way for a future of resilience and opportunity.

By Anusha David