Reflection on the NPP’s past year

On September 21, the incumbent government completes one year in power. Unlike former regimes, the incumbent government has taken certain initiatives falling in line with its campaign theme of catching rogues and bringing them to justice. This is what people expect from any government. Today, several individuals who have illegally acquired assets are either in remand or have been sentenced to imprisonment. We as the citizens appreciate the government’s response to certain issues. But on the other hand.  citizens also hope that the government would reduce prices of essential items and the cost of living which has skyrocketed since the Yahapalana government came into power. The Speaker recently talked about the quality of food at the Parliament canteen. It’s the same in many food outlets where hygiene, quality of food is often compromised and people are being charged exorbitant prices for food. The government needs to tax the rich and go after those evading thumping amounts of taxes because small scale businessmen and entrepreneurs would always comply with government regulations. If the government aspires to usher in a new era of governance,  then it needs to follow a different path than what had been introduced during past regimes. Parliament debates should focus on real issues affecting people rather than wasting time trying to clear out rules on standing orders. Transparency and accountability should be two virtues that the government needs to uphold, no matter the situation. 

Senaka Dias

Malabe