Walter Disney founded ‘Disneyland’ in USA to earn money. The brand despite ups & downs was a success & hence expanded to Japan & other places including Egypt. Some during the budget discussions compare SL to ‘Disneyland’. Others may feel SL should be renamed ‘Pin-Lanthaya’ (services provided as charity (pin) from birth to death) & the unbearable welfare system should be continued. It should also not be confused with ‘Finland’ which is also referred ‘Pin- Lanthaya’ in Sinhala despite being a country with an efficient welfare system to protect the poor. President Premadasa introduced the ‘Janasaviya’ program with the intension of alleviating poverty within approx. 10 years. Unfortunately it wasn’t continued the way R. Premadasa wished. From a behavioral perspective SL may look ‘Disneyland’ as some keep the world entertained with their comedy acts.

However, many would agree that it is not the time for comedy as the country is in a financial crisis. Since loan repayments are on hold public has got a little breathing space. The public should be matured to know that those who speak extreme welfare (knowing it is not feasible) are short sighted & power hungry. Every success story in human history has had a bad time. Sri Lankans in deep water should know that mere prevailing during bad times is a wise act displayed by all success stories.

China’s Belt & Road Initiative connects world trade with China ensuring win-win cooperation. SL got the BRI life line to survive the present crisis in 2014. President Mahinda shall be remembered by the next generations for that. The Port City & Hambantota port shall ensure unprecedented inflows of wealth in the coming centuries. It was one of the few wise acts he did during his second term. If the BRI projects are implemented without any delays it shall be the primary boost for the national economic restructuring. From a conflict resolution/ prevention approach (in short, medium & long term), President RW seems to be on the right track getting US, India & China along the BRI to rebuild the economy. The Communist Party of China was in a dialogue with all leading political parties in South Asia recently. President Xi Jinping will send his envoy soon to SL in the aftermath. Political fraternity should learn more from such dialogues. Leaders should be wiser than comic characters.

‘A leader is a dealer in hope’ – Napoleon.