Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Listen to people, not just to technocrats to resolve issues in economy

1 December 2022 01:54 am - 7     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

  • Prof. Shantha Devarajan stresses need for policymaking process that actually listens to the people
  • Points out that in most instances technocrats are unable to relate to the issue of the common man
  • Cites Budget 2023 presented to Parliament recently as  an example of people’s views being left out

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
Sri Lanka needs to listen more to what its people are saying, instead of paying heed to only technocrats, said senior economist Prof. Shantha Devarajan. By not paying attention to the call of citizens, the real problems of the national economy will not be solved, he cautioned.

Prof. Shantha Devarajan

As successive governments focused more on establishing advisory committees, and task forces to help iron out issues faced by the people of the country, such efforts did not help understand the ground realities and tackle the challenges as the voice of citizens were ignored.

“For too long we have seen Sri Lanka’s economic policy as a technical problem. We think all you need to do is to get a bunch of smart people together, put them in a room, and they will design the best possible economic policies. That precisely is the problem,” said Prof. Devarajan.

“You need a policymaking process that actually listens to the people. The people are actually saying something vital,” added the senior economist, addressing an international conference on the road map for economic recovery, hosted by The Institute of Engineering and Technology.

He cautioned it is dangerous to go ahead with policy decisions by listening only to technocrats as in most instances they are unable to relate to the ground realities and issues faced by the common man.

While consulting agencies such as the World Bank (WB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are important, the authorities must also take the necessary efforts to consult the people. Prof. Devarajan pointed out that such activities are seldom carried out or given importance.

He cited the recent budget for 2023 as an example of the people’s views being left out. Although it aims to roll out the “right” efforts in terms of tax reforms which are needed for the IMF programme, it has a series of technical solutions to fundamental political problems, he noted. 

“We have to avoid that if we have to go forward. The policymakers need to be accountable to the people. This is exactly what democracy is all about,” he stressed.  


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 7

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Jude Thursday, 01 December 2022 09:15 AM

    Year after year, what the government trying to do with the budget is finding ways bridge the massive budget deficit with loans and grants!!: the government expenses skyrocketing and the revenue shrinking!! Politicians have absolutely no plans how to increase GDP !!

    Truth Thursday, 01 December 2022 10:35 AM

    People's decisions are based on emotions. Emotions are generated by the politicians fanatical elements.

    AB Thursday, 01 December 2022 05:54 PM

    Absolutely, politicians must listen to the people

    Tissa Fernando Thursday, 01 December 2022 07:13 PM

    Citizens are mostly stupid arrogant and easily deceived by cunning politicians, their say is usually based on what is good for them at individual level. So it is not going to be practically possible to act on their say.

    Dilakshan Seneviratne Friday, 02 December 2022 04:23 AM

    I think the Professor is absolutely right. This principle is paramount in a democracy. Another example is CEB engineers thinking that they know what is best for their customers. Politicians and bureaucrats in SL must start to listen to what the people want. Aragalaya is similarly the voice of the youth.

    L Jaya Friday, 02 December 2022 06:12 AM

    Government is doing the opposite of Shantha Deverajan. No consultations with public, neither technocrats but only him and his doctrine.

    Quolp Friday, 02 December 2022 01:36 PM

    Do you know that Shantha Devarajan that we are in a critical situation, LTTE has been raising its HEAD, so the vital thing is to focus on this issue before too late.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H