Talking Point – Sri Lankans are confident that 2012 is the takeoff year
Posted on the January 27th, 2012 under Research & Views by Lanka Monthly Digest 
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THE NEW YEAR AND SRI LANKA
EXCLUSIVE NATIONWIDE OPINION POLL
NO TURNING BACK
Sri Lankans are confident that 2012 is the takeoff year
If results of the latest TNS Lanka countrywide survey are anything to go by, 2012 will be better than last year for the nation, for business and for the general public – and there will be political stability in the country. A decisive majority of respondents to the LMD-commissioned exclusive survey maintain an optimistic tone, happy as they are with the rapid development taking place in the country, and the restoration and maintenance of peace.
More than 70 per cent of poll participants believe that this year will be better for the country, whilst 23 per cent do not agree. Similarly, 2012 will be better for business, according to 65 per cent of survey respondents, but 23 per cent feel this will not be so.
On a personal level, the new year appears to hold better prospects for 69 per cent of the sample population, while 19 per cent remain sceptical and 61 per cent are betting on political stability in 2012 although 14 per cent differ.
The increasing cost of essential goods and services, and the country’s increasing debt burden, are cited by the naysayers who don’t feel that 2012 will necessarily be better for the nation.
On the business landscape, the critics maintain that ‘the country’s environment is adjusting to a situation that will lead to bankruptcy of business,’ while also charging that ‘the acquisition of private businesses by the Government’ does not bode well for the new year.
High on the wish list of survey respondents is greater economic prosperity for Sri Lanka this year. A decrease in the price of essential goods and services; a reduction in corruption; implementation of the rule of law; better employment opportunities; greater freedom to conduct business; better medical facilities in rural areas; state assistance for senior citizens who are not entitled to a pension; an efficient public sector; and the establishment of election and police commissions – as promised in the 13th Amendment – are some of the other points poll participants have on their new year wish list for our resplendent isle.
On the global stage, Sri Lankans would like to see a drop in oil prices, the restoration of peace in conflict-affected regions, a solution to climate change and an immediate solution to the European debt crisis, TNS Lanka’s survey reveals.
– LMD Business Desk
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Talking Point
