What can Dhammika Perera do for his country and for you?

By Prof. Samitha Hettige

SL is in a crisis and that can be a catalyst for positive change. Business tycoon and Ex Secretary Ministry of Highways Dhammika Perera must be making moves with long term plans for him and his country. He isn’t the first self made to make such moves. Upali Wijewardena ran faster than R. Premadasa but couldn’t overtake the Malaysians. President RP reached his goal with a replica of Rajasinghe’s throne but wasn’t worried about his inner circle’s protection skills. DP living close to the real throne near the Museum seems to be more aware of ground situation. Joseph Patrick Kennedy (Businessman, Investor and Politician) was the man behind John F. Kennedy. When his son JFK became President, JPK had said “I couldn’t spend for a landslide but got the job done”. JPK made his fortune through the stock market, commodity and real estate investing. James Roosevelt (son of President Franklin) had helped him to boost his liquor business. Though some link JPK to well known criminals he and his family earned their place in history. Silvio Berlusconi (Media tycoon) earned his place serving thrice as PM of Italy. In 2018 his estimated wealth was approx. 8 billion USD (Ref Italian sources). Thakshin Shinawatra (billionaire mobile network operator) entered politics in 1990s, became PM of Thailand and was the first PM to serve a full term. He may not have had a smooth run with the royal family. DP may study these to make his plans fool proof.

Recoiling after a recession

SL is trying to come out of the crisis which is partly a result of the setbacks from COVID and the Ukraine conflict. However, some view that the impact of the SL crisis could have been reduced if people with a country first agenda were in charge. In the USA the Great Depression of the late 1920s paved way for “New Deals”. Some say it’s vice versa in SL. In the US due to the depression economy contracted and businesses failed raising unemployment. Welfare spending was a big challenge and borrowing was very difficult. The federal government was the only one to help. During 1929 – 33 production (at factories and mines etc.) reduced by approx. 50%, disposable income dropped by approx 30%, stock markets collapsed and approx 13 million were unemployed by 1933 (US sources). The average citizen in the USA couldn’t understand the real picture. It’s good for SL to learn more about the great depression. The “easy money” policy of the US government resulted in an artificial boom. President Hoover’s intervention policy also prevented market recovery. His successor Roosevelt’s “New Deal” deepened the crisis (US sources). Labour laws dragged industry backwards and grounded productivity. In the end tax exemptions weren’t allowed, tax rates including gasoline tax (by 10%) and telegraph/ telephone tax were increased etc. (US sources). Sri Lankans are gradually experiencing above. 

How to utilize DP?

It is accepted fact that the private property market has the ability to over­come any setbacks. It will work out price/cost adjustments, increase man­agerial efficiency and especially labor pro­ductivity (most needed factor in SL to attract investors). Should DP try his luck with his links to JVP on riot control to attract investors? Not being a stranger in the market economy he should generate new savings and much needed invest­ments. Through DP education he may educate young citizens on; the GCEC act drafted by Lalith Athulathmudali and to look at every transaction with a business management perspective (even charity spending) to reduce wastage. DP (believed to be SL’s master gambler) may use such skills to make the country win. Sri Lankans should study how Peoples Republic of China utilized Hong Kong and Macao SARs to attract the world. If the economy boosts with DP, it will boost his plans. Even the ladies between life and death who assumed he wanted their school may promote him if he sheds light. Suffering masses will rise above the poverty line and speak for DP just the way Buddha recognized “Sariyuth” and “Mugalan” (who came to him after a night out clubbing/gambling). DP should be aware that the majority in SL are short sighted. He should be extremely careful though he doesn’t fly Lear Jets. Resources like DP should be used to the limit to promote the country. The next generation has a lot to learn from DP’s journey (not the destination). They may get a clear message from Ivor, Victor and Arisen through the below link (provided they understand Sinhala or can get a translation).

(The writer is an Academic and a Broadcaster. Views expressed are personal and may not necessarily be the views of his affiliations.)

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