Public service conundrums 

The Government has gazetted that State employees who delay or fail to perform the duties assigned by the newly appointed Presidential Task Force for ‘Gama Samaga Pilisandara’ (Dialogue with the Village), are to be reported directly to the Secretary to the President. This move opens up concerns of the independence of public servants and if due process is being circumvented for political ends. 

The directive comes as part of the mandate of the Extraordinary gazette signed by Secretary to President P.B. Jayasundara. The 16-member Presidential Task Force, which is headed by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, has been given powers to cut across red tape and work with local government and provincial agencies. But there are concerns that due process will be sacrificed for expediency under this task force and that the Government is using dangerous shortcuts rather than focusing on public sector reform. 

Public officials are often at the frontlines of fighting for better governance. They are also the first point of contact between the public and the State and, as such, the standard of governance followed by a Government is often measured by their actions. Their efficiency is also crucial for the implementation of policy and the smooth running of a country, which makes them an indispensable part of a well-functioning nation.

It is for precisely this reason that public servants are often derided or praised. Complaints of public employees taking bribes or engaging in other misbehaviours are often highlighted because they are seen to have a greater responsibility towards the governance of a country than their private sector counterparts. Given that public servants are also custodians of tax money and public finance, they also have a greater responsibility to fight corruption, promote transparency and ensure accountability. 

However, these weighty tasks are often derailed by a general sentiment and the vested interests of politicians. Governments also tend to overlook the fact that a large part of public sector inefficiency is caused by overloading the public service with political recruits and appointees. 

It is important that recognition is linked to wider measures that promote reform and independence of the public sector, and provide them with clear policies and goals to implement. 

Under the prescriptions of the General Treasury, each Government institution submits its corporate plans each year. Yet, few of them come into fruition at a level the larger public finds useful. Often the public only sees the bribe taking, the inefficiency, the strikes and protests. Despite repeated Government pledges the public service remains woefully dependent on the political system and has little space for whistle-blowing capacity to strengthen governance or push forward measures that are in the public’s interest. 

Improving the competence of the public sector is an important focus and this has been stated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa multiple times. In a country where there is a trust deficit between politicians and the public, the public sector is the ideal gatekeeper of governance and democratic institutions. 

Empowering millions in the public sector is the best investment for a developed Sri Lanka but this empowerment should come with a zero-tolerance policy on corruption. Responsibility needs to be matched with authority and the Government must ensure that professional and honest public officials are given the support that they need to do their very important work.