Sri Lanka, Sept. 1 -- The title of the NPP manifesto, "a Thriving Nation, a Beautiful Life," suggests that those running the present government believe that the state has a responsibility to ensure a higher quality of life for the citizens. This issue was raised in a recent public discussion, in implicit criticism of my advocacy of reducing taxes and promoting exports as against actions to ensure a "rich life."

The state cannot take responsibility for the happiness of its citizens. Its responsibility is to preserve the basic conditions needed for citizens to achieve their own happiness. Reduce the barriers, but do not seek to ensure the outcome.

The events leading up to the economic crisis on 2021-22 are illustrative. Thousands came to...