Using experience

Tuesday, 4 January 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

WOULD a man called by anything other than his designation be as efficient and honourable? Confusing as the last question might seem at first glance, when it is placed in the context of the impending debate requested by the United National Party (UNP), the subject becomes clear.

Parliament has delegated a time for a debate this week over the specifications of the appointment of senior ministers. They point out that the title has caused confusion and their duties have not been specified. The non-appointment of sectaries to some of the ministries has also caused concern and the debate is expected to clear up these issues.

In the new year it is largely agreed that focus should be on development. Therefore the onus is on the Government to ensure that their powers are concentrated on facilitating business and putting in place the most conducive framework for development. The fact that ministers result in large expenditure is no secret and even though the number of Cabinet ministers might be smaller than previously, the senior ministers as well as the appointments have not made a serious dent in expenditure. The large public sector in Sri Lanka is generally not known for its efficiency and ideally it should be the most ‘senior ministers’ who should show the way.

Perks are allowed as long as they are earned. What the people want is an efficient service that would iron out many concerns and streamline the processes so that services will be provided in a transparent manner. Perhaps the best place to start would be Parliament and with the senior ministers themselves. After all, having been in many of the most prominent positions, they would be best equipped to use their experience to show how a good job can be done. Their example can then be followed by the rest of the people’s representatives as well as the larger public.

The debate can also be used to determine what the goals of the senior ministers are so that a report card of sorts can be presented at the end of the year. 2011 has been tagged as the crucial year of takeoff and there can be no room for inefficiency, fear or just plain laziness. The example must come from the top. Efficient usage of resources, including the tax payers’ money, would certainly inspire both the private and the public sector to collectively work toward the multidimensional task of development.

Media reports announced on Monday that the local government polls would cost the State a whopping Rs. 1.8 billion. The presidential and general elections would have cost billions more. It is clear that democracy is a costly business but having decided to follow it avidly, the challenge now is to get the best benefits from it. The most experienced State officials have to take the initiative to make their appointments worthwhile and use their authority to make sure that the development that has been long denied Sri Lanka can finally be achieved.