Sri Lankans Demand Value for Money and Full Transparency
The announcement of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund — created to support national recovery after Cyclone Ditwah — has sparked a wave of public discussion. Many citizens welcome the idea of a single, central mechanism to coordinate reconstruction. But the message from the public is firm:
This must be a fund that delivers value for money, is professionally run, and is fully transparent from day one.
Across platforms, people are reacting positively to the fact that the Management Committee brings together senior public officials and top private-sector leaders:
Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando – Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance, Chair
G. M. R. D. Aponsu – Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Convener
Mr. Hanif Yusoof – Governor, Western Province & Special Presidential Representative for Foreign Investments
Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma – Secretary, Ministry of Finance
Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa – Senior Economic Adviser to the President
Mr. Sugeeshwara Gunawadhana – Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Mohan Pandithage – Chairman, Hayleys Group
Mr. Krishan Balendra – Chairman, John Keells Holdings
Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake – Deputy Chairman & MD, Aitken Spence
Mr. Ashroff Omar – Group CEO, Brandix
Mr. Ishara Nanayakkara – Executive Chairman, LOLC Holdings
Many Sri Lankans say this mix of public officials and major corporate leaders could bring efficiency, financial discipline and faster decision-making to the rebuilding effort.
But alongside this welcome, the public sentiment is clear and cautious:
1. “A central point is useful — but show us where every rupee goes.”
People want the fund to succeed, but insist that transparency cannot be optional.
“Publish monthly accounts. Publish procurement details. Publish who got help. We’ve seen too many committees disappear into silence.”
2. “This is a powerful team — so expectations are high.”
The involvement of senior business leaders from Hayleys, John Keells, Aitken Spence, Brandix, and LOLC adds credibility — but the public insists that the fund must not become a corporate club.
“These leaders manage billion-rupee companies. Now we want that same professionalism for the country — not for profit, but for people.”
3. “Value for money must be measurable, not rhetorical.”
With entire villages in Riverston, Atanwala, Matale and surrounding areas destroyed, citizens say reconstruction must be efficient and corruption-proof.
“We don’t want the budget eaten by overheads, allowances or consultants. Every rupee should touch a life.”
4. “Donations are about trust — and trust depends on transparency.”
People are prepared to donate internationally and locally — but only if reporting is public, audited and updated regularly.
“Sri Lankans will give generously. But they will not tolerate another black box.”
5. “Rebuild Sri Lanka must be more than a name. It must be a promise kept.”
Cyclone Ditwah tested the country’s systems — warning, planning, infrastructure and communication. Many people say the new fund must reflect lessons learned.
“Don’t just rebuild what was broken. Build smarter, safer, stronger.”
Public Verdict
The Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund is a good step — and the committee is strong. But the country expects results it can measure, books it can inspect, and decisions it can trust.
Sri Lankans are ready to support the effort
Now the committee must show — with transparency, fairness and professionalism — that this time, every rupee truly goes to the people who lost everything.
