Infrastructure shapes modern humans. It is the cornerstone on which communities and nations are built: the energy that powers the development of the country. Precise, pensive, ethical, and sustainable infrastructure has the ability to improve quality of life.
However, policies on a national scale cannot, and should not, flourish or be useful to the citizenry if they can be changed to suit the whims and fancies of politicians whenever a government changes. Development involves critical considerations, from the communities it serves to its impacts and effects, both in the short and long term. Policy, regulation, expertise, and comprehensive planning and risk management all play an important role, particularly in negating and even reversing the impacts of change in development, both societal and political.
A national policy is a statement containing principles and a broad course of action adopted by the national government in pursuit of a specific objective. They are used to guide decision-making towards the achievement of a stated outcome.
This means that the nation’s policy framework is a critical component of its governance structure. It serves as a guiding set of principles and directives that shape the country’s trajectory, both domestically and on the international stage. While the ability to adapt and evolve policies in response to changing circumstances is crucial, there is also a strong argument for having certain elements of the national policy framework that remain unchangeable.
Regrettably, the bitter truth is that in Sri Lanka, over the past several decades, even for most of the important aspects of governance or public welfare, there were no established policies. Even if such policies exist, they have either been ignored or altered, most often through political manipulation. The customary practice was that whenever a regime change occurred, the hierarchy of the ruling political party amended or revised the policies of the predecessors.
Historically, Sri Lanka has endured periods of colonial rule, ethnic conflicts, and political instability time and again. These historical events have shaped the country’s policies and governance structures, often leading to abrupt shifts in direction. An unchangeable framework has now become an absolute necessity to provide stability and help break the cycle of volatility. The lawmakers must give the matter the highest priority and undivided attention during this crucial period.
Political manipulations
During the past several decades, the country has experienced domineering high-handed political manipulations in almost every national issue, even when such influence was visibly damaging. Not only state-related matters but also important issues in the private sector that virtually provide economic strength to run the country were targeted by petty, politically inclined decisions. There were many actions by consecutive governments that discouraged investors, both foreign and domestic, due to the absence of established and concrete industrial policies.
Perhaps the existing weaknesses in both monetary and fiscal policy were one of the key reasons for the colossal failure of the economic situation in the country. Evidently, the flaws and feebleness in the country’s fiscal and monetary policy, regulatory, and monitoring ineffectiveness have immensely contributed to several conspicuous large-scale failures in the economy. In general, the government’s role in responding to economic circumstances came under threat, and as a result, it affected the preservation of the economic interests of the public.
However, in July this year, the parliament approved a new law to improve the independence of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank after stalling it since 2019. According to SLCB sources, a separate governing board, consisting of six members and the governor, will be formed in addition to the monetary policy board.
According to the same sources, the intention of this legislation is to empower the central bank to make the right decisions, not popular decisions. The entire citizenry expects that with this new legislation, the SLCB can work independently and make decisions that cannot be changed according to the whims of the government in power.
Long-term planning and investment
It is abundantly clear that a strong national policy framework that remains unchangeable allows for long-term planning and investment. Investors, local and foreign, are an essentially required source for a developing economy. The government can develop comprehensive, multi-year strategies without the fear of sudden policy shifts that can provide confidence to new investors.
This is especially critical in areas such as infrastructure development, education, tourism, healthcare, and many other areas that are going through an extremely rough patch. Long-term investments will yield the most significant overall benefits for the country and its citizens. Unchangeable policies ensure that these investments are protected from short-term political considerations.
On the international stage, an unchangeable national policy framework enhances a country’s credibility and trustworthiness, particularly when the country needs an enormous amount of financial assistance from international lending institutions and friendly countries. When a nation demonstrates a commitment to its policies, it becomes a more reliable partner in diplomatic and economic relations. Frequent policy changes can erode trust among allies and trading partners, potentially harming a country’s standing in the global community.
Social cohesion—people’s relationships and interactions in society—is an essentially important facet for a nation. It helps to achieve economic growth, good governance, and social security. It is an area where an unchangeable national policy framework can play a vital role. Consistent policies can help bridge societal divisions by providing a shared vision and direction. When policies are frequently altered, it can lead to political polarisation and social unrest as different groups vie for influence over the direction of the nation. An unchangeable framework can act as a unifying force.
Sri Lanka is slowly recovering from an enormous economic crunch. Comparatively, the economy has made significant progress during the past several months. However, a complete recovery, although required sooner rather than later, will seemingly continue for an indefinite period into the future.
National policy framework, vital
In this context, economic development is a pressing concern at this point, with challenges related to the existing debt pile, income inequalities due to recent setbacks, regional disparities, and access to basic services. An unchangeable national policy framework that can prioritise sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction is compulsory to ensure these goals remain central to the country’s development agenda.
Effective governance and the fight against corruption are essential for Sri Lanka’s progress. A stable policy framework can incorporate anti-corruption measures and institutional reforms that endure beyond political cycles. This ensures that the rule of law prevails and that public resources are used efficiently and transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
The country eagerly awaits the implementation of the newly enacted anti-corruption laws, which was one of the few positive moves in the recent past. It has provided enhanced powers and resources to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, which is mandated to carry out major investigations. Among other positives, the new bill also makes it mandatory for electoral candidates to declare their assets, which will be published ahead of elections, and expands bribery offences to include private sector stakeholders.
However, a lot will depend on the enforcement of the law and whether the law enforcement authorities will be empowered to be free of political interference, which has been the customary practice for the past few decades.
While policymakers must be flexible and adaptable, having a strong and unchanging base help guarantee that essential values and objectives remain across political shifts. The construction of an immutable national policy framework that embodies the nation’s beliefs and ambitions can considerably improve Sri Lanka’s prospects for long-term peace, prosperity, and unity. The country may chart a route towards a brighter and more inclusive future by enacting consistent policies that prioritise the well-being of all inhabitants.
A consistent national policy framework is the foundation of a stable, prosperous, and just society. It underpins economic stability and growth, fiscal responsibility, social cohesion, effective governance, international competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development.
