Critical Questions: Possible Answers
What minimum quality of life should be ensured for all hardworking citizens of Sri Lanka to promote their well-being and dignity?
A decent life requires: basic needs (clean water, food, housing, sanitation, energy); free, quality public healthcare with essential medicines and regulated private providers; comprehensive education fostering critical thinking and digital skills; meaningful work with living wages, safe conditions, and equal pay; social protection (security, unemployment, disability, pensions); safety and security from violence and exploitation; social services (childcare, eldercare) to ease women’s caregiving burden; cultural/recreational opportunities; social inclusion and equality for all groups; and environmental sustainability. These standards are dynamic and require government commitment through citizen consultation.
How can Sri Lanka’s natural and human resources be optimally harnessed to directly enhance the well-being of its people?
Sri Lanka can leverage its assets by: supporting smallholder agriculture with land, water, modern techniques, and value-added/organic products; investing in sustainable, community-based tourism; diversifying manufacturing (garments, others) with climate-friendly technology; aligning education and skills with local manufacturing and knowledge-based services; expanding renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro); supporting SMEs with finance and business development; and investing in strategic infrastructure (transport, ports, energy). Success depends on effective governance, sustainability, and equitable benefit-sharing.
What level of basic income and essential services should the state provide to ensure the dignity and welfare of the disabled, sick, and elderly in Sri Lanka?
Support should include: regular basic income (disability, sickness, pensions); free, accessible healthcare and rehabilitation; long-term care options (home, assisted living, nursing) considering familial roles and crises like CKDu; housing support; transportation assistance; social support to combat isolation; legal and advocacy services; caregiver support programs; and robust social welfare. The specific level depends on economic capacity and requires ongoing assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of the caregiving sector is needed to map the distribution burden across genders.
What policies should Sri Lanka adopt to safeguard the well-being of its citizens in the context of an unjust global economic system?
To counter global inequalities, Sri Lanka should: strengthen domestic social welfare and redistributive policies; foster regional cooperation for collective bargaining; diversify the economy; promote fair trade and responsible investment; support domestic industries with incentives and innovation; invest in human capital and vocational training; promote financial inclusion; advocate for global economic justice in international forums; support civil society and grassroots movements; and build resilience for economic and environmental shocks through disaster preparedness and climate adaptation.
Which value-added export sectors should Sri Lanka prioritize for development in order to sustainably fund the import of essential commodities that cannot be produced locally?
To fund essential imports, prioritize: apparel & textiles with design innovation; IT & BPO services; agribusiness & food processing (spices, tea, organic products); sustainable tourism; processing minerals (ilmenite, graphite) locally; gems & jewellery (cutting, polishing); renewable energy technologies; boat building & marine services; wellness & Ayurveda products and tourism; education & skills training as a regional hub; and rubber-based products (tires, gloves). Selection should align with resources, market opportunities, and sustainability goals, supported by innovation, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
How can Sri Lanka pursue sustainable development in a global economy where not all nations can theoretically be net exporters?
Sri Lanka can achieve sustainable development by: diversifying the economy across domestic and export sectors; managing natural resources responsibly (agriculture, mining, conservation); adding value and innovating across industries; promoting sustainable tourism; developing human capital through education and skills; strengthening the domestic market by encouraging local production and consumption; engaging in regional integration; adopting green technologies and renewable energy; building sustainable infrastructure; and collaborating and sharing knowledgeinternationally. Balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental limits is essential.
