For want of a practical policy and people

Development warrants change and change is necessary to transit effectively to a realm of growth and expansion. But change must be managed and such efforts not ad hoc so that it impedes the process of advancement of the nation and its key sectors.
Sri Lanka flaunts a history for politically-motivated change, change that slows the wheel of development adding to the cost burden that plagues our public and the nation. In this environment of peace and want of accelerated growth, a politically robust government such as the powers that be, affords space to implement progressive policy, or change, that does not curry favour with politics of power and gain. Sri Lanka it seems has still not aspired for that lofty state and the process of change sits flawed. The best example of late would be the outcomes with the Ministry of Tourism, where divisive appointments and a subsequent clash of ideology and political will have resulted in an industry and action in turmoil.
It is imperative that we identify and facilitate the growth and expansion of sectors that would steer Sri Lanka into the future. Tourism, education, manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure services are key facets of our development thrust, and government must strengthen their functions with the right human resource, structure and investment. Implement actions that would complement the initiative and efforts of the private sector and encourage further investments. We need men and women with vision; leaders who would guide the country towards the dream what is today a Singapore and Hong Kong. Leaders with recluse political thought cannot lead a nation nor industry into an era of evolution – let us embrace a national vision; a policy and people for the future of the country and its people. Governments with power and place are best fit to lead such transition.
Treading a politically-biased path for development is unsustainable. It leads to economies in constant state of flux. There is more agreement that something needs to be done than on the precise details of what should be done. Policy and people impacts are complex and difficult to evaluate, but their effects can be felt over a long-term. The world economic and political scenario has undergone a plethora of change, we must identify and accept the effects of globalisation and align these realities with our nation’s aspirations.
In this context it is most welcoming that President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday declaring what he described as a “war against inefficiency” within the public sector.
The question over the efficiency of our bureaucracy arises from that it only caters to limited areas of interest – the traditional comfort spheres. Such policy will only restrict the opportunity for gain to a handful of people and there is a growing need to broaden our economic and political scope. It is important to compare our progress with fellow countries. During the 1950s and 1960s countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia were far below ours. But today, they have surpassed us delivering far better quality of life and success. Their achievement was not merely a result of developments within the sphere of education, investment and policy, but also an outcome of growth in demand for rapid economic development. We need to motivate such sentiment amongst our people, our leaders and business. With the end to conflict, Sri Lanka’s workforce would expand rapidly. Accordingly, government must play a significant role in creating a society of opportunity and equals. We need to build a society that recognises skill and ability and afford the necessary space for development. That is the trend of the world today. Let us be bold enough to take that progressive step.