Will The Development (Special Provisions) Bill Sink The Coalition Government In A Bog?
By Chandra Jayaratne –July 22, 2016
Chandra Jayaratne
The proposal made by Hon. Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, to publish the Sri Lanka Sustainable Development Bill in a gazette and present the same in parliament for approval, which was prepared with the view of promoting and implementing the Sri Lanka’s national policy and strategy on sustainable development, establishment of the Sustainable Development Council and making other provisions on other matters, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers” stated the government announcement regards decisions taken by the Cabinet on 12th July 2016.
Regrettably however, the public at large have no knowledge at this stage of the scope, contents and any consequential socio-political and economic impact of the Bill on the country and its citizens. This is despite, Right to Information being a fundamental right as per the Constitution and a specific Right to Information enactments having recently been legislated.
A few months ago, a discussion draft of a bill titled “Development (Special Provisions) Bill” was available in public hands. This draft bill had several provisions which gave rise to significant concern in the mind of Yahapalana activists. They were concerned that this bill could easily result in the Coalition Government, constantly at play at the edge of the marshy land and tossing Bond Scams, Imported High Cost Metal Housing for Displaced persons, Coal tenders, Highway contracts to entities owned by Ministers and controversial VAT impositions, in danger of a fall in to the bog and risk beginning to sink! Let us hope not; as what the Nation needs is a government committed to real Yahapalanaya, rule of law, justice, effective public communications, economic resurgence positively touching all segments in society and reconciliation amongst all citizens.
The aforesaid draft bill had a provision to appoint a panel of eminent persons to be consulted by the President and Prime Minister on formulation of National Policies. A Policy Development Office is established (there is such an office already in the Prime Minister’s Office?). The Minister (the Prime Minister as the Minister in Charge of National Policy and Economic Affairs) may make regulations in respect of all matters relating to policy development office, including the appointment of staff and Committees and the functioning under the Office.
The Policy Development Office (PDO) is to assist the Minister to plan, formulate and develop National Policies on all subjects having regard to the provisions of the Act; prepare the macro-economic Policy framework for economic development; set goals and targets to be achieved by every sector of the economy and by every government institution; co-ordinate the implementation of government policies approved.
The Minister is empowered to appoint Committees for PDO on
