A stark warning from a former President as concerns grow over governance, politicisation, and the future of Sri Lanka’s public service.
Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has warned that the present government is dismantling the country’s public service, pushing Sri Lanka toward what she described as total chaos if urgent changes are not made.
In a strongly worded post on her official social media platforms, Kumaratunga said the nation has already suffered severe damage due to nearly two decades of poor governance. She stressed that no government can function effectively without a professional, efficient, and honest public service, describing it as the backbone of democratic governance.
She alleged that the current administration is deliberately weakening the public service by sidelining qualified and experienced officers and replacing them with party loyalists who lack the necessary skills and institutional knowledge. According to her, this trend threatens administrative stability, service delivery, and public trust.
“It is not essential for political leaders to have years of experience or professionalism, but they must have unwavering integrity. Political leaders must rely on professional public service to govern a democratic country.”
Referring to former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, she described him as an exceptionally honest and highly professional public servant, highlighting the standards now being eroded.
Kumaratunga also noted that widespread public frustration has driven people toward protest and struggle, adding that political awareness among Sri Lankans is currently at an unusually high level.
She concluded by emphasizing that rebuilding Sri Lanka ultimately lies in the hands of the people, urging citizens to recognize the gravity of the situation and act decisively through democratic choices.
