Comments from the BT email surveys:

On Corruption: (Post budget)

With the machinery they have to fight corruption they are doing better than anyone did before. No institutional changes have been made. It is not known whether the authorities will proceed with these inquiries or drop them later.

(Pre budget)

Judging by the information coming out, in terms of exposure the atmosphere is being created to have these on the table. Dealing effectively with the stuff coming out is another matter and we've yet to see the outcome even on one matter. It is too early to reach a conclusion. The new government is accepting complaints. It has not 'dealt' with corruption yet. The wheels of justice take time to turn, and one must not be unduly hurried. It is better to open files with accurate details and proper evidence rather than rush into filing cases. Compared with the previous administration, the new government definitely appears to be more effective and investigations have begun into many corruption cases. However, as these investigations concern the previous administration and could be politically motivated, the answer (as to whether the government is honest and non discriminatory) would be known only when high ranking officials of the new administration themselves face corruption charges.

On merit-based appointments:

(Post budget) Unfortunately Sri Lanka doesn’t have a system or process to make the best appointments Only some while the others are based on loyalty It appears that many appointments have been based on merit.

(Pre budget)

- Doesn’t seem that way, for example consider the appointment of the SLT Chairman (the President’s brother) and the manner in which he took office.

- Better judgement was expected in these matters. Some are based on friendships and unilateral decisions. A committee to recommend people listed in a pool/data base would have been a more acceptable mechanism.

- It has been a mix of competence and political patronage.

- A significant proportion of the new appointments appear to be justifiable though there are some exceptions - particularly so in the case of the new SLT Chairman (who might be qualified but is still far too closely connected to the regime for the appointment to be entirely desirable).

On free expression:

(Pre budget) The air of freedom to talk is evident and is mainfesting itself like never before. The freedom to speak and air one thoughts exists today. Many have already criticized the delay in some 100-day proposals and many previously banned websites have been allowed to function. However efforts to stop public servants from speaking to the media are not the right approach. Further, media channels connected to the present administration particularly TNL appears to be behaving in the same manner that state media like Rupavahini did earlier.

On efficiency: (Pre budget)

It’s better now than what we had for some time. I’m trying to make an assessment, but to be fair it is too early to judge. They have responded quickly to many key challenges including international human rights allegations etc and this indicates a certain degree of efficiency. However, in terms of cost, efficiency (while probably superior to that of the previous administration), this is doubtful particularly since a considerable number of ministers, etc have been appointed than earlier indicated.

On speedy decision-making:

(Post budget)

It is happening given the fact that the programme is just 100 days. Unfortunately they have been very speedy on wrong decision-making.

(Pre budget)

- It has been very fast, in fact too quick sometimes.

- Speed yes, but I’m not happy with the implementation which is slow.

- Considering the vastly diverse opinions of the members of the new administration, the speed of decisionmaking appears to be acceptable. However, this could be due to pressure exerted by the 100day targets.

-This has changed dramatically for the better

-This may take more than 100 days to achieve, given the ingrained culture in the Police department.

On the rule of law:

(Post budget) It’s far better that what prevailed. I don’t see any institutional framework yet to make the Police independent.

(Pre budget)

While the rule of law situation appears to have improved with fewer instances of individuals taking matters into their own hands, there is no indication that the police is operating independently. Recently many transfers were made at high levels. While these may have targeted the removal of corrupt officials, there is no transparency in these transfers. Therefore, it would be difficult to say that the Police has independence. However, it would be unfair to entirely fault the new administration as the proper independent commissions/mechanisms are not yet in place.

On efficient ministers:

(Pre budget)

Some bad ones have crept in.

Contd. from page 4

Power While I believe a majority of the appointments are vast improvements from the previous set of ministers (since it appears that knowledge of the specific subject area has been considered in making the appointments), there are several appointments which are hard to justify. The appointment of a relatively young and untested politician as the (cabinet) Minister of Education in particular is questionable, considering that it is one of the three or four most key areas.

On abuse of power:

(Post budget)

Power was abused by the Finance Minister in imposing a Rs. 1 billion revenge tax on several firms, not limited to Carlton TV and satellite firms. He had no right to impose taxes on ill-gotten gains. If these individuals have amassed illegal money, they should first be prosecuted rather than impose a tax - which frees them from prosecution.

Yes there is an improvement, an example being the arrest of UNP MP Palitha Thevarapperuma.

Definitely an improvement. State media is now airing the views of the opposition too, unlike in the past. We don't see the President and the Prime Minister in every frame on Rupavahini. Palitha Thevarapperuma is still in remand. Sending CJ43 (Shirani Bandaranayake) on retirement was done tactfully and gracefully. The former Chief Justice Mohan Peiris has the freedom (unlike before) to make public statements on his ‘invalid’ removal.

The President is setting a good example on how not to abuse power for others to follow.

Abuse of power has been minimized to a large extent. The impeachment motion against Minister and MP John Amaratunga could not have been possible before.

(Pre budget)

Gotabhaya (Rajapaka) being out changes the order in the military structure totally. Roads being opened is a sign to the people of less harassment

To some extent it has but it’s still early days for the government. Past governments were also forthcoming at the start but changed thereafter.

A number of key figures being investigated by the bribery commission instead of more extreme tactics of the former administration is the closest thing to due process which is a positive development. There are fewer escorts for ministers now. Abuse of power has been considerably reduced. The ‘white van’ fear is no more, no excessive military on the streets, no charges of bribery and drug trafficking against new leaders; no horrendous money withdrawals from banks unlike in the last days of the (Rajapaksas).

It has been minimized. There will always be isolated incidents of power abuse. A newly appointed Minister sending out emissaries to Asian capitals inviting businessmen to meet with him, sounds suspect to me.

The arrest of UNPers like Palitha Thewarapperuma who took the law into their own hands indicates that there is less abuse of positions of power. However there have been attacks against UPFA members which is a cause for concern.

On reducing cost of living:

(Post budget)

I am not too sure this has happened via the budget. For instance if the rupee value falls against the US dollar due to all these credit- financed salary hikes and government spending, the importcontent cost of living will go up.

The relief measures are many and far more than previous budgets.

(Pre budget)

Yes, but piecemeal. Not enough as expectations are high. The price reductions are short term relief and unsustainable.

The reduction in cost of fuel and the promised reduction in essential goods would likely reduce the cost of living substantially.

On the formation of an independent, non-partisan caretaker government during the conduct of the next election:

(Post budget)

Disagree. The current cabinet is representative of all parties and should be caretaker enough. No more money needs to be expended at this point in forming another government with a different agenda.

There is no need as the present government already plays that role.