Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has emphasized the necessity of accurate and reliable data for the proper management of the economy, stating that without it, incorrect decisions are made, leading to mismanagement and economic instability. He argued that a country cannot be governed based on the personal opinions of ministers and officials but must be steered by research-backed policies and data-driven strategies.
Speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Lal Kantha highlighted the crucial role of data in shaping sound economic policies. He criticized past governance models that lacked proper data analysis, leading to misguided policies and economic downturns. He asserted that decisions made without proper statistical backing often result in inefficiency, misallocation of resources, and economic distress.
The minister pointed out that one of Sri Lanka’s key failures has been the absence of a well-structured, transparent, and efficient data collection system, which has resulted in ineffective governance. He stressed that for the country to move forward, decision-makers must rely on factual information rather than intuition or political motives.
During his address, Lal Kantha also touched on the broader issue of governance in Sri Lanka, stating that a general social consensus has emerged, blaming both politicians and the public service for the country’s collapse. He argued that the failure of both sectors to work based on reliable data and long-term strategies has led to economic mismanagement.
He further called for systematic reforms in the public sector, urging government institutions to embrace technology and modern data analytics tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy in decision-making. Without such reforms, he warned, Sri Lanka would continue to struggle with economic instability and policy failures.
Minister Lal Kantha’s remarks highlight a growing recognition of the importance of data-driven governance in Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. As the government seeks to stabilize the economy, the call for reliable data collection and evidence-based policymaking is expected to play a critical role in shaping future economic strategies.
