Universal Basic Income (UBI): Conceptual Background and Possible Implementation in Sri Lanka?
There are people who believe that UBI is primarily a neoliberal concept or a plot. No doubt that some neoliberals have hijacked the concept or distorted it. But our historical narrative shows that the basic concept is much much older than neoliberalism. Then how can we reconcile the situation?
( May 25, 2018, Sydney, Sri Lanka Guardian) The concept of a universal basic income (UBI) for all is relevant to both developed and developing countries alike, as all our social systems deprive large portions of people of their basic human needs and decent living. This is undoubtedly more so in developing countries like Sri Lanka than developed ones, for example, Australia. Although there are extensive discussions going on in Australia on the subject today irrespective of the far-reaching welfare measures, unfortunately this matter is hardly discussed in Sri Lanka, while even the existing welfare measures are being stealthily dismantled.
