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Mahanayakes send President solutions to economic crisis

22 Mar 2022

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Mahanayakes (Chief Prelates) of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters of the Siam Sect Ven. Warakagoda Gnanarathana Thera and Ven. Thibbotuwawa Sri Sumangala Thera have informed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of several proposals on measures that could be taken to prevent the people from being affected by the current economic crisis in the country. In a letter dated 17 March, addressed to President Rajapaksa, the Chief Prelates stated: “It is very clear that the country as a whole is facing unprecedented socio-economic crises at present. In this situation, all the people’s representatives should make their fullest contribution to bring the country to economic stability, irrespective of the parties that they represent.” They have mentioned in the said letter certain suggestions on the possible steps to be taken to alleviate the current economic crisis. Among the said proposals are the formulation of a national plan for sustainable development through an all-party conference of national and international experts, the transparent implementation of development projects according to a list of priorities, the suspension of non-essential development projects, the provision of relief to the people, and the formulation of a local economic model and a sustainable national economic policy while protecting the environment and cultural heritages. In addition, the said proposals included the facilitation of local agriculture in the production of essential food items; taking legal action against traders who conceal food items, drugs, and other commodities in the face of the current crisis; providing the people with affordable domestic renewable energy units in the face of the electricity crisis; increasing the inflow of remittances into the country; strengthening the export economy; supporting Sri Lankan businessmen in foreign countries to attract new investments into the country; restructuring national debt through diplomatic relations; revising the public tax policy and providing relief to the middle class and low-income earners; and setting up a proper mechanism to prevent irregularities, corruption, and the misuse of state resources. The letter further read that the current economic crisis can only be resolved through the proper management of public funds, the elimination of corruption, the implementation of development projects in the public interest, and the development of a more appropriate domestic economic model for the country based on sustainable national policies. The two Chief Prelates have also pointed out that it is the responsibility of the President to enforce the law and take action, regardless of rank, if any minister, government official or some other party creates anarchy in the country and paves the way for foreign interventions into the country. In August, 2021, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) had pointed out that in the wake of the severe economic crisis in the country caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government should prioritise and allocate funds for the most needed projects instead of those that are implemented in the hope of bolstering power and gaining reputation. In a statement issued at that time, the CBCSL also stated that the country’s leadership should act on expert advice and not on political agendas and agendas in its favour.


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