Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has accused the current government of destroying what remains of Sri Lanka’s public administration system by recruiting party loyalists into the civil service without considering their qualifications or experience.
In a post on her official Facebook page, she stressed that when leaders without political experience come to power, it is essential to rely on professional and competent officials. However, she said the present regime is violating this basic principle.
The post reads as follows:
I decided to post extracts from the excellent article “When Justice becomes Selective” by Vox Civis that was published in pulseline.lk because it deals with a problem that deeply affects the very foundations of the Sri Lankan State.
I agree without hesitation with the ideas contained in this most thoughtful and brilliantly penned article. I know and have worked with Saman Ekanayake. He is a scrupulously honest, highly professional public servant.
A government cannot function without a professional, efficient and honest public service. The political leaders do not have to possess long years of experience and professionalism, as long as they have unshakeable integrity. In a functioning democracy, political leaders depend on a professional public service to govern the country.
The present government seems to be determined to dismantle what is left of our public service and replace it with party members and supporters who have poor qualifications and experience.
The “Aragalaya” happened only because the people of Sri Lanka realized the terrible situation governance had descended to. Political awareness among our citizens is high.
Our country is reeling under the destruction wrought by two decades of bad governance. It can only descend into total chaos if the present mode of governance is not changed. I agree fully with Vox Civis that the solution lies on our People – they must question, comprehend the grave consequences and decide democratically how we can rebuild our great Nation.
