Dr Sarath Obeysekera

Almost 18 months since the new regime came to power ,and both UNLP’ers .SLFP ,JVP and JOC all in similar frequency Vis a vis failures of development drive and the management of the proposed development  gaols and plans .None of them are talking good about the progress and yet expect something to happen like a last minute goal in a decisive foot ball match.

Attached letter sent by UDA from Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development indicates conditions to be fulfilled to establish a small yard of 20×60 feet workshop roof .Investor has to run around and get all the recommendations in order to get approval to put up such a building .

We have been running around last two months to get recommendations from all relevant agencies.

None of the understand that this a venture which will provide employment to youths in the southern town of Galle

This proves that centralised coordination committee should be established to expedite speedy implementation of projects which will benefit the country.

Having involved in public and private sector for many years in Sri Lanka and Abroad I would like to propose following .

Honourable Prime minister to powers to give instructions to all State Agencies to cut the red tape and assist in the development drive

Teams with a Dynamic head for appoint committees and execution team targeted for development , and give executive powers .

Committees involving  following sectors to be appointed

Fishery Sector

Road /Transport Sector

Health Sector

Port/Airport Development

Housing Sector

Plantation Sector

Town Development

Environment sector /Garbage disposal

Etc etc

Prime minister should hold a meeting every week with the participation of Finance  Minister with few dynamic secretaries to review the progress and give orders for  execution  as planned

All heads of state agencies should attend the meeting and undertake to provide their concurrence in order to allow commencement of the development project .

Any unnecessary objections should be overruled at this meeting and make provisions to grant approval within a short period

Current haphazard way of making decisions should be stopped and I am sure within next two years country will back to high development gear

Final advice is to disband FCID because the name gives shivers to many state officers ( who are reluctant to execute any order)  and may  establish a new Unit with a more friendly name such as WARWY ( We ARe Wathing You )!!!!!!!!

Dr Sarath Obeysekera