Sunday Times E-Paper

We need a rescue and recovery plan for our motherland

Chula Goonasekera

We have encountered the worse economic disaster that has turned chaotic. Month-long non-violent public protests are now facing counter-violence by governmentsupported thugs. We cannot go on like this with a paralysed country – with violence, life and property damage and chaos. We will drown in no time.

We need to execute an emergency rescue and recovery plan in three main domains. This is a letter collated by a group of professional, patriotic multidisciplinary citizens. It provides a realistic, practical outline for our recovery. 1. Resuscitation – like a sinking ship with holes or a human in cardiac arrest: We cannot be debating what is right or wrong but apply what we have to the best effect. For example, if you had a cardiac arrest in the street, cardiac massage with mouth to mouth breathing is what we need to survive until help arrives.

Therefore, we cannot be arguing about IMF (good or bad) as they are the only hope.

Thus, drop the arguments, see what requirements they need, and pursue them for support. Once the country is stabilised with assistance from elsewhere, at least when there are essential foods and medicines, think of other moves. Ensure that helpful energy resources are promoted (solar, biogas, and hydroelectricity) for the island to be more productive (do efficient, practical work).

When we have stopped further sinking, then plan the rescue and recovery. An interim government established with one condition can do that, i.e. people in the interim government cannot contest for a parliamentary position for at least another four years, i.e. not in the next election. This condition will ensure some truly patriotic people will engage in rescue leadership. Others will drop out.

2. The next step is short-term recovery plans. We can start with reducing the wastage of public money (such as lowering mega ministerial portfolios and calling back all unnecessary foreign missions). Then make it is an essential requirement for all projects that use public funds to have a transparent feasibility study before approval to prevent misuse of public funds and corruption. Start training programmes and opportunities to offer entrepreneurship to youngsters to be productive. In other words, promote education for all ages. Use research and innovation to find solutions to Sri Lankan issues. In this context, why not attempt to reduce the road traffic accidents that cost 4% of GDP and, at present, with nine people dying every day on the roads.

3. Long-term planning involves all local expertise to find a Sri Lankan ideology that supports

Sri Lankan values while promoting diversity acceptance. Teach the public to downgrade divisional politics based on ethnicity, religion, gender or region of origin. We hope this provides some insights.

Via email

LETTERS/APPRECIATIONS

en-lk

2022-05-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-15T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/282389813080467

Wijeya Newspapers