Colombo – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has come under scrutiny for allegedly appointing friends and loyalists to key government positions, sparking concerns over whether his administration is adhering to the promises of changing Sri Lanka’s political culture. Critics argue that these appointments echo the cronyism seen under previous regimes, despite Dissanayake’s campaign rhetoric of reform and transparency.
Professor Vishakha Suriyabandara, a political science expert at Sri Jayawardenepura University, raised questions about the appointment of Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake as the President’s Secretary. She criticized the decision, claiming Kumanayake lacks the necessary seniority and that there are more qualified individuals within the public service. The appointment, she argues, undermines efforts to maintain an efficient civil service.
“There is now an issue with the President’s Secretary appointment. One could say mistakes were made in the past, but the new leadership should not repeat those same mistakes,” Suriyabandara remarked. She emphasized the importance of merit-based appointments to ensure the efficiency and integrity of public service.
The issue extends beyond Kumanayake’s appointment, with concerns also being raised about the selection of Dr. Najith Indika, a former Indian student activist, as the Director General of Presidential Media. Despite his medical background, some critics claim he lacks relevant experience in media, further fueling accusations of favoritism.
Dr. Najith Indika defended the appointments, asserting that trust and political confidence are vital for positions such as the President’s Secretary. He emphasized that while qualifications are important, trust in an appointee’s ability to execute duties is essential. He also stated that no legal or procedural rules were violated in the appointment process.
“No one has ever appointed the most senior person in the pool as the President’s Secretary. The person who is trusted and capable of fulfilling the President’s expectations is chosen. Trustworthiness, along with qualifications, is key to making changes,” Indika stated.
Minister Vijitha Herath also weighed in on the controversy, asserting that the public voted for change, not just in political leadership but in the country’s broader political culture. He emphasized the need for reforms across institutions, including the civil service, while speaking at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
However, former parliamentarian Ajith P. Perera criticized the government for backtracking on its promises to curb cronyism. He pointed out that several recent appointments seem to be based on personal loyalty rather than merit, which contradicts the expectations of the voters who supported Dissanayake’s rise to power.
Dr. Pakyasothy Saravanamuthu, Executive Director of the Alternative Policy Center, echoed the concerns, stating that more caution should be exercised when making appointments, especially for key government roles.
As the debate over these appointments intensifies, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that it is serious about reforming Sri Lanka’s political culture, ensuring transparency and meritocracy in its decision-making processes.
Source :- BBC
