Now that national elections are round the corner, it is time for the government to address on a priority basis 
some main problems facing the people although steps have been taken to address many issues.
True, the first priority is to take concrete measures to relieve the vulnerable groups in society of the dire economic hardship. But it is important to address some governance issues people are highly concerned about to bring a much better political culture.
Measures to reduce the Cost-of-Living burden
People expect the government to look into ways and means of reducing the Cost-of-Living burden on the majority of the population without affecting the ongoing economic recovery programme. Of course, the poor living below the poverty line, and the lower middle-class account for the majority of the population and it is this segment that requires immediate relief.
The reduction of prices of fuel will be a great relief measure for that will result in a general lowering of the price level of goods and services.
Tax relief for those earning a monthly income of Rs. 250,000.
The tax relief for those earning less than Rs. 250,000 a month will greatly benefit the lower middle class.
Given the high cost of living, a monthly income of Rs. 100,000 is hardly sufficient to meet the cost of three meals a day of a six-member family today.
The three meals a day do not account for the sole expense of a household. There are several other financial commitments as well such as paying the House Rent, monthly bills like the Electricity Bill, Water Bill, and those relating to higher studies of children , let alone social and religious obligations. Therefore, a monthly income of Rs. 250,000 is not an assurance of a luxury lifestyle today.
Senior Citizens’ Bank Deposits
It is also well-known that there is a large number of retirees from the private and public sectors well past 60 years of age depending on a monthly interest accruing from their life-time savings deposited in banks.
This segment of the population has been hit hard by the reduction of the interest rate on Senior Citizens’ Bank Deposits.
Therefore, a substantial increase in the interest rate for the Senior Citizens’ Bank Deposits will be a great relief measure for this vulnerable segment of the population.
Aswasuma beneficiaries
Samurdhi welfare benefit programme for the vulnerable groups has now been replaced with the Aswasuma.
It is to the credit of this government that it has already increased the monthly allowance under this programme.
However, there are many complaints that a sizable number of deserving families have been left out of this programme.
Meanwhile, State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghehas already reassured that the government would not leave a single deserving case out of this programme.
Addressing governance issues: massive foreign debt burden
A governance issue that the people are much concerned out is the massive foreign debt with which they are burdened. Though it is the direct responsibility of the government to carry this burden, the people are quite alive to its impact as they are being compelled to directly suffer its consequences.
People know that the debt servicing obligation has placed much pressure on the country’s foreign currency reserves and it has forced the government to restrict the import of essential commodities like fuel and LP gas as well as food items like wheat flour, and milk powder.
Analysts say that relying on International Sovereign Bonds with high interest rates and also involving much expense to reach agreements, to fund development has been one of the main factors that has contributed to the current economic crisis.
There is also a general feeling among the people that the successive governments have run up this massive foreign debt with no foresight or a sense of responsibility and also it may have been mismanaged in financing various projects.
However, all that is water flowed under the bridge and what matters now is effective measures should be taken to prevent this foreign borrowing spree from continuing into the future.
Therefore, people demand that a policy framework to guide responsible borrowing and a mechanism to monitor financing of foreign funded- development projects to prevent possible corruption and mismanagement be set up with the least delay.
High level of corruption
People are also highly concerned about the high level of corruption in the public sector in the recent past, which, analysts say is one of main factors that contributed to the country’s economic crisis.
Corruption has been such an enormous governance issue , even the IMF monitoring authorities had considered it necessary to undertake an ‘in-depth governance diagnostic exercise’ to assess the corruption vulnerabilities and make recommendations on tackling this issue.
People demand that a thorough investigation into the corruption during the past regimes be conducted through a high-powered commission of inquiry appointed for the purpose with a view to bringing the culprits to book and also seizing their ill-gotten wealth.
Cronyism and Nepotism
Another governance issue causing the people much concern is cronyism and nepotism in the public sector paving the way for corruption and mismanagement.
It had been the practice of the political authorities of some past regimes to stuff the public sector establishments with their cronies disregarding any just and fair recruitment procedure.
It is no secret that family and friendship ties with the political authorities have been given precedence over merit, which is the proper criterion, in making appointments to high offices in the public sector.
People demand today that the necessary legislation be enacted with the least delay to banish the twin evils of cronyism and nepotism from the public sector.
Government has already made a good start.
The current government enacted the Ant- Corruption Act No:9 in July last year with a view to achieving a series of objects including the prevention and eradication of bribery and corruption and also enhancing transparency in governance and this Act has already been hailed as a long-awaited legislative development.
The government has also taken the commendable step to enact another piece of legislation called ‘ Proceeds of Crime’ Act with a view to seizing the proceeds of corruption.
These two significant bold steps taken by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, apart from passing he 21st Amendment tore-impose checks and balances on the Executive Presidency and restore the Constitutional Council, and Independent Commissions, will go a long way in restoring good governance as well.
Meanwhile, the country seems to be on the way to economic recovery.
Therefore, people look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
