May 12, Colombo (The reporter) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has voiced apprehension regarding the government’s current intentions to sell national assets and state-owned enterprises, advocating for a delay in such actions until after the next Presidential election. He suggests that the incoming government should handle this issue in accordance with its mandate.
Rajapaksa, in a statement issued today, highlighted the discontent among trade unions, political parties, and the general public regarding the ongoing divestiture drive.
During his tenure from November 2005 to January 2015, Rajapaksa reflected on his government’s approach towards state-owned assets, noting that they refrained from privatizing profitable enterprises, instead focusing on managing prices to ensure economic stability and continued profitability of state-owned enterprises.
He addressed concerns raised by trade unions and political parties, advocating for a thoughtful approach towards private sector involvement in state-owned enterprises. Rajapaksa cautioned against hasty divestiture, particularly in sectors critical to national security, stressing the importance of transparency, national security considerations, and consultation with employees in any restructuring of state-owned enterprises.
Rajapaksa urged both the government and trade unions to adopt a pragmatic approach towards privatization, focusing on the overall benefit to the country and emphasizing the need for a government that prioritizes safeguarding national assets and strategically important enterprises.
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