By Saman Indrajith
Registered political parties that are not represented in Parliament recently appeared before the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the impact of the Economic Crisis to brief the committee on their solutions to the various challenges confronting sectors affected by the prevailing economic crisis.
They made these representations when the Sectoral Oversight Committee met in Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of Member of Parliament Gamini Waleboda.
One of the suggestions from the political parties centered on the establishment of a rationing system in collaboration with Sathosa, aimed at providing essential food items to those in need. Additionally, there was a consensus on exploring avenues to implement a tax mechanism that is more favourable to the general populace. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and bolstering domestic production emerged as another key focus area. Furthermore, there was a call to allocate increased funds towards enhancing domestic agriculture, rather than relying heavily on imports.
Some party representatives stated a main reason for the economic crisis was the inefficiency of public service. Moreover, the representatives said Sri Lankan culture, as well as well-recognized health sector can be promoted to attract tourists that would spend more than the current average.
The Committee Chair requested the representatives to submit their proposals and work together to form a common plan, containing solutions to the challenges by the ongoing economic crisis.