Budget 2012: no democracy for the Sri Lankan people
by Melani Manel Perera
The new budget, which dedicates too much to military spending, could increase the public debt and widen the gap between rich and poor. “Financial activities also have a religious dimension that must be taken seriously,” says the chaplain for the Young Christian Workers Movement.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – President Mahinda Rajapaksa is justifying the 230 billion rupees (US$ 2.1 billion) allocated to military expenditures in the 2012 budget by the need to maintain a 200,000 strong military and pay for debts contracted during 30 years of civil war even though the interethnic conflict ended almost three years ago. The country needs development plans to help people, especially war victims. People need housing, land, jobs and welfare. Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Reid Shelton Fernando, chaplain for the Christian Workers Movement and the Young Christian Workers Movement in Colombo, said the government’s attitude is “immoral” and that there is “no democracy” in Sri Lanka.
As a man of faith, what do you think of the 2012 budget?
When the budget proposal was tabled on 21 November, some opposition MPs began a silent protest, raising posters with the word ‘shame’ written on them. MPs from the government benches walked over and attacked them; nothing was done to stop the commotion. President Rajapaksa appears unperturbed by this kind of violent reaction, which is commonplace across the country.
The government’s budget was presented in this context. There is no rule of law. Corruption is rampant. The lives of ordinary people do not matter. There is no ethics of good government. Any opposition to government policies is viewed as violence. People are lied to about the real rate of growth and about unemployment levels. The truth is a “victim”. Even religions are used for ulterior motives. In addition, there is a sense of fear that is widespread because the government protects criminals, some of whom are in power.
The poor and the middle classes are the majority of the population. Will this economic plan help them?
At first glance, there is nothing in it for ordinary Sri Lankans and past promises have vanished. Some of the goals, like supporting a caring family, ensuing food security, empowering a healthy generation, creating a knowledge society and boosting an enterprise economy, are present but are mere promises. The largest spending item, over 200 billion rupees, involves defence, whilst other items like education, health care and services see spending rises only slightly.
How are people coping with the crisis?
Many people are not aware of the negative effects. The government operates by slogans, speaking about an “Asian miracle”. However, no one is talking about the cultural degradation that accompanies big investments in the tourism industry because there are many personal interests involved. The government uses mass media to spread false information and silence people.
How is the world crisis affecting our country?
Our rulers borrow money and the state finds itself in deeper debt. Who will pay for this? The growing gap between rich and poor is quite visible. People did not create the debt. Why can western protest movements not come here?
Who are the first victims of the world crisis?
Undoubtedly, the poor and those who want change. Humanitarian aid is not welcomed and some governments use them to their own advantage.
Although you are not expert in economics, are there alternatives in your opinion?
From my point of view, the authorities have accumulated enough resources and capital, albeit in immoral ways, that they could achieve some stability and cut the country’s debt. The government and the opposition should join forces instead of fight. The country need people who are truly committed. Financial activities also have a religious dimension that must be taken seriously. Corrupt people should be punished. The government acts without the approval of parliament. This shows the world that we have no democracy in Sri Lanka.
As a man of faith, what do you think of the 2012 budget?
When the budget proposal was tabled on 21 November, some opposition MPs began a silent protest, raising posters with the word ‘shame’ written on them. MPs from the government benches walked over and attacked them; nothing was done to stop the commotion. President Rajapaksa appears unperturbed by this kind of violent reaction, which is commonplace across the country.
The government’s budget was presented in this context. There is no rule of law. Corruption is rampant. The lives of ordinary people do not matter. There is no ethics of good government. Any opposition to government policies is viewed as violence. People are lied to about the real rate of growth and about unemployment levels. The truth is a “victim”. Even religions are used for ulterior motives. In addition, there is a sense of fear that is widespread because the government protects criminals, some of whom are in power.
The poor and the middle classes are the majority of the population. Will this economic plan help them?
At first glance, there is nothing in it for ordinary Sri Lankans and past promises have vanished. Some of the goals, like supporting a caring family, ensuing food security, empowering a healthy generation, creating a knowledge society and boosting an enterprise economy, are present but are mere promises. The largest spending item, over 200 billion rupees, involves defence, whilst other items like education, health care and services see spending rises only slightly.
How are people coping with the crisis?
Many people are not aware of the negative effects. The government operates by slogans, speaking about an “Asian miracle”. However, no one is talking about the cultural degradation that accompanies big investments in the tourism industry because there are many personal interests involved. The government uses mass media to spread false information and silence people.
How is the world crisis affecting our country?
Our rulers borrow money and the state finds itself in deeper debt. Who will pay for this? The growing gap between rich and poor is quite visible. People did not create the debt. Why can western protest movements not come here?
Who are the first victims of the world crisis?
Undoubtedly, the poor and those who want change. Humanitarian aid is not welcomed and some governments use them to their own advantage.
Although you are not expert in economics, are there alternatives in your opinion?
From my point of view, the authorities have accumulated enough resources and capital, albeit in immoral ways, that they could achieve some stability and cut the country’s debt. The government and the opposition should join forces instead of fight. The country need people who are truly committed. Financial activities also have a religious dimension that must be taken seriously. Corrupt people should be punished. The government acts without the approval of parliament. This shows the world that we have no democracy in Sri Lanka.
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