ECONOMYNEXT – The overly critical have no vision for the future and, despite some “not long term” crises, the government has no desire to abandon its plans for the country for the sake of a few who are unwilling to change, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, asking the public to be wary of false propaganda.
Speaking at the 74th Independence Day celebrations Friday (04) morning, Rajapaksa called for vigilance over forces whipping up sentiment against foreign investments. Investment is an essential factor in the development process and both foreign and local investments are necessary, he said.
“Foreign investment is especially important for large scale projects, industries requiring modern technological know-how and new ventures that open up global market opportunities for us. People need to be more vigilant of those who attempt to propagate incorrect public opinion against foreign investments, based on political motives,” an official English translation of the president’s speech quoted him as saying.
The Rajapaksa administration has been on the receiving end of criticism by trade unions and some opposition parties over a number of deals with foreign entities. These include the recently signed agreement between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and a subsidiary of the Indian Oil Corporation on the Trincomalee oil tank farm, a deal with an Indian conglomerate to jointly develop the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port and another agreement to hand over gas supply to the Kerawalapitiya power plant to a US-based energy company.
“We cannot accelerate economic development without encouraging entrepreneurship and removing obstacles faced by entrepreneurs. We have a responsibility to be more respectful and friendly to entrepreneurs who start their own businesses amidst various vulnerabilities and provide employment and income opportunities for others as well.
“Government officials should fully understand the contribution of entrepreneurs to the country’s development and provide all assistance they require expeditiously within the legal framework. By preventing major delays in business registration and investment approvals, we can mobilise the entire economic process in the country,” said Rajapaksa.
The president noted that everyone who enjoys rights also has obligations they must follow.
“The greatest benefit from freedom is when everyone fulfils their duty to the country. It is not appropriate to speak of rights only, whilst forgetting responsibilities,” he said.
Rajapaksa was ostensibly referring to mounting criticism aimed at the government over its handling of the economic crisis Sri Lanka is currently going through – one of the worst in the island nation’s history. A severe dollar shortage has adversely impacted imports including fuel, leading to a power crisis, compounded by shortages in essential items amid double-digit inflation.
The president said a country’s freedom becomes meaningful when it is strengthened socially, politically and economically, and both the government and the public have a duty to actively contribute to this. The government is also aware, he said, that it cannot count on everyone’s support.
“When steering the country in the right direction, we know that the support of each and every person in the country cannot be expected. We are not ready to abandon our plans for the country’s future prosperity by looking upon those who will not change. Our objective is to do what is right by the country, and not to please everyone,” he said.
Only those with a positive outlook can make any real headway toward the future and challenges can only be overcome through sacrifice, the president said.
The Rajapaksa administration has faced harsh criticism over its organic fertilizer policy which earned the government the wrath of the country’s farmers, a majority of whom had voted for the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.
Pessimists do not change the world. They do not even have the capacity for it. Those who habitually criticize without proposing a solution to a problem do not have a vision for the future,” said Rajapaksa.
The president said that a leader of a nation has many challenges to face, and steering a group towards a vision is no easy task.
“Changing the existing ways, no matter how good the intention is not easy either. On certain matters, both local and foreign forces organise against us. Sometimes it may seem that everything that happens around you is conspiring against you,” he said.
“What the people expect from leaders is to manage all these crises and take the country forward, but not to escape from problems. We have the positive mindset needed for that. I am always ready to provide the necessary leadership to overcome any challenge facing the country,” he added.
The president also called on the public to be more optimistic.
“The most important criterion for this is the belief in ourselves.
“Difficult times do not last forever. People of great resolve are needed to face difficult times. Anyone who demoralises another is not doing any good to the society at this moment. Therefore all of us have an enormous responsibility to build a positive attitude in the country to face these crises successfully,” he said.
“None of the crises we experience today are long-term problems. We can find solutions to them with an optimistic approach. There is a role that each of us can play to expedite this process. We must all endeavour to do our utmost for the country by fulfilling our responsibilities in a proper manner,” he added.
Rajapaksa claimed forces against a national leadership that “values our indigenousness and protects the country’s sovereignty” are subtly misleading the people through various false propaganda.
“I urge the people of this country to always act prudently. No one can mislead the people if they make inquiries based on fact, ascertain the truth and make decisions,” he said. (Colombo/Feb04/2022)