Financial Times

Social Dialogue - A New Chamber Challenge
Colonel Henry Steel Olcott was remembered by Old Anandians with a commemoration lecture delivered by Deva Rodrigo, Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), on the "Role of the Private Sector".

Answering in the negative, the question whether democracy, presidential and parliamentary dual system of government, party system, minority demands, weak governance and inconsistent policy framework in Sri Lanka can ever bring forth a bi-partisan approach to nation building, the speaker suggested a new role for the formal private sector.

To engage in leading the nation in a social dialogue to enlighten civil society of what is good for them, their children and the unborn generations was the new role. This ambitious challenge is to ensure that civil society will exercise their universal franchise in electing leaders with prudence, thinking clearly of the long-term impact and also holding them accountable for delivery of promises. The private sector was cautioned to ensure that its independence, objectivity and apolitical status wasn't undermined in the process.

Comparing the economic status of Ireland with Sri Lanka, two nations with similar populations but significantly different living standards, the Chairman CCC recounted that 15 years ago Ireland was one of the poorest countries in Europe suffering political instability, low GDP per capita, high unemployment, industrial unrest, low productivity, low quality and poor reliance on foreign investments led technology leverage.

Sri Lanka was in a similar economic condition but still remains so whilst the Irish people now enjoy much higher living standards with US $ 35,000 income per capita. He recounted how these rapid changes took place, reminding us that it was certainly not achieved via wages without productivity, jobs without growth and subsidies without economic sustainability, a policy option Sri Lanka is now considering.

The Irish economic miracle was attributed to its political stability, tax cuts, consistent policy interventions, ability to attract foreign investments and joining the European Union and consequential economic benefits. Strategic investment support from the USA through Irish immigrants and the government and the opposition setting sustainable economic and social policies in a bi-partisan manner were two other key elements in the Irish experiment.

Consistent policies were assured though constitutional guarantees. Later, the then opposition extended the period of guarantee. This positive bi-partisan policy regime led to high US and EU investments. Thus it was technology, foreign investments, enhanced trade, regional integration, and above all a bi-partisan linked policy consistency that made the Irish miracle a reality.

We hail you Mr. Chairman. If these words of wisdom can be put into action with the commitment and support of your CCC and J-Biz colleagues, then one key missing link in our development agenda will be met.

Your commitment to add social issues like education, health including HIV/AIDS, and Millennium Development Goals to the agenda were reminiscent of a dream come true. Further adornments were added to this agenda a few days later, when following the Japanese Ambassador's address to the CCC members, you included environmental, historical and cultural issues as well.

Political leaders and their cronies may not easily let you take on the role of leading civil society in a future dreams oriented social dialogue. More importantly, you are surrounded by colleagues in the CCC and the private sector who like to butter their bread on both sides paying pooja to political leaders on both sides praising their vision and actions as well for personal gain.

Will they support you? Extend financial support for this most laudable initiative? Will private media support you? Will the government and its media policy makers be amenable to accommodate you? A wise old owl doubts very much and sincerely wishes you success for the sake of this nation and its people. Beware Mr. Chairman! Tread cautiously!

The Japanese Ambassador in his presentation detailed how a legendry Japanese Chamber Chairman along with his colleagues took to the streets with garbage cans and set the example to make the Japanese cities clean.

Why not first try to organize a social dialogue based action on the streets and historical and cultural sites in order to protect the environment and make the surroundings clean and healthy for Sri Lankans and tourists? If you succeed in mobilizing popular support and avoid political big shots from knocking you on the head, then you can proceed to implement the social dialogue plan. Good Luck!

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