By Matara Gunapala –
Dr. Matara Gunapala
False information circulating within the nation is a stark reminder of the crucial role that national discipline plays in the well-being of Sri Lanka and its people. While some of these distortions stem from efforts to undermine the current government’s progress, a deeper, more troubling agenda is at play. These forces seek to derail investigations into past corruption and mismanagement (some literature related to such are cited 1-14), perpetuating the very behaviours that hindered the country’s development. Such actions risk disrupting the momentum of the newly elected government, which secured an unprecedented victory by uniting Sri Lanka’s diverse racial and religious communities.
The government elect is a beacon of hope for a new era of governance, free from corruption. However, to truly realise this vision, a disciplined nation is essential. Discipline within the government and society is the foundation of lasting prosperity. The current government’s emphasis on national discipline reflects a commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s democratic values while addressing the critical challenges of corruption and misgovernance.
Why a Disciplined Nation?
Based on evidence from the world arena, economic success and the rule of law alone may not be sufficient to be a great nation. According to the World Population Review, the USA is ranked the wealthiest country in the world based on total GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Yet, its per capita GDP is lower than that of many other countries, such as Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore (15, 16). Based on the world happiness ranking, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Australia and Switzerland are considered the top happiest countries in the world. However, the USA, the wealthiest country in the world, ranked 23rd (17) in the world, indicating that other criteria signify the comfortable living of citizens of a country.
What is a Disciplined Nation?
The path to prosperity is multifaceted. While financial success and the rule of law are essential, they alone do not guarantee greatness; they only guarantee the nation’s discipline. Discipline involves self-control, adherence to the rule of law, and the commitment to contributing positively to society. In the context of a country, discipline extends beyond individual behaviour; it encompasses the responsibility of upholding ethical standards and legal frameworks, ensuring that every citizen and institution works towards the collective good. The prosperity of nations such as South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore demonstrates the profound impact of national discipline on economic and social prosperity. Singapore’s transformation, driven by the visionary leadership of Lee Kuan Yew and his successors, an effective public bureaucracy, robust anti-corruption measures, investment in education, competitive compensation, and learning from other countries, is a powerful example of how discipline can reshape a nation’s future (18). Japan’s economic success, despite limited natural resources, also highlights the importance of disciplined economic practices, including technological advancement, capital investment, increased quantity and quality of labour, and international trade (19). These countries show that economic prosperity is not just about resources but about harnessing human capital, promoting innovation, and fostering the nation’s discipline.
Building a disciplined nation underscores that prosperity is measured in wealth, quality of life, and collective well-being. A disciplined society that values cooperation, respect, and ethical behaviour is essential for achieving both material success and a high standard of living. The Sri Lankan government’s commitment to prioritising national discipline is a promising step toward creating a harmonious, prosperous society. Its Clean Sri Lanka project is one of the examples. However, achieving this vision requires disciplined action across all sectors of society to contribute to building a great nation.
Building a Great Nation: The Role of Discipline
To build a disciplined nation, the government must address key areas where discipline is paramount:
Leadership: Parliament and the President
The President and Members of Parliament must lead by example, upholding the nation’s laws and demonstrating responsibility inside and outside Parliament. They must be accountable to the public, addressing misinformation and ensuring that any violations of public trust are met with appropriate consequences, including legal action if necessary.
Legal System
Sri Lanka’s legal system has faced significant challenges due to corruption and a lack of independence. A disciplined, independent judiciary is crucial for ensuring justice and maintaining trust in governance. Without effective legal oversight, corruption flourishes, undermining public faith in government institutions. Therefore, strengthening the rule of law and reinforcing judicial independence is essential for long-term prosperity.
Public Sector
Corruption has deeply infiltrated the public sector, weakening its ability to serve the nation. Political influence over government appointments has led to inefficiencies, mismanagement, and widespread corruption. Free from political interference, a disciplined public service ensures that government institutions work effectively and in the people’s best interests.
Education
Education is the cornerstone of any nation’s success. Sri Lanka must overhaul its education system to provide the skills and competencies necessary for the modern economy. Producing graduates who are both employable and equipped to drive innovation will empower the youth and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity. Education should be aligned with the economy’s needs, focusing on skills development, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship.
Business Sector
The business sector is crucial for creating wealth and driving economic growth. However, Sri Lanka’s business climate has been hampered by corruption and mismanagement, both in the public and private sectors (20-21). To stimulate entrepreneurship, the government must create a supportive environment that fosters innovation, offers access to capital, and ensures a level playing field for all businesses. A disciplined, transparent, and accountable business environment will help drive Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.
Agriculture and Environment conservation
The significance of agriculture and environmental conservation is undeniable, offering substantial economic and societal benefits. Agriculture is crucial in ensuring food security, supporting rural incomes, and providing employment opportunities. Meanwhile, environmental conservation contributes to the sustainable management of natural resources—such as forests, water, and air quality—which supports various economic sectors, including tourism, and creates additional employment prospects. However, the management of forest resources has historically been marred by neglect, mismanagement, and, at times, exploitation driven by ignorance or corruption.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Building a disciplined nation requires visionary leadership and the people’s collective will. For example, Lee Kuan Yew’s outstanding leadership made Singapore a world wonder. Angela Merkel’s exceptional leadership was marked by pragmatism, stability, and diplomacy, guiding Germany through economic challenges and global crises. Nelson Mandela’s greatness inspired global change, emphasising reconciliation, equality, and forgiveness, guiding South Africa through its democratic transition. Sri Lanka, however, has struggled with indiscipline since its shift to an executive presidency, resulting in a decade of economic decline, corruption, and social division.
The new government, elected with the promise of restoring discipline and good governance, faces significant challenges, including entrenched corruption and political opposition. Yet, for the first time in many years, Sri Lanka has a government that appears committed to the nation’s prosperity. Media is a powerful tool to educate people, which the government must use to effectively motivate people to support and contribute to this effort and ensure that the vision of a disciplined, prosperous Sri Lanka becomes a reality. The road ahead is not without obstacles, but with exemplary leadership and collective discipline, Sri Lanka can chart a new course towards lasting peace, prosperity, and national pride.
References
- Champika pours out more details about latest sugar scam. Retriever 12 Nov. 2023 from https://island.lk/champika-pours-out-more-details-about-latest-sugar-scam/
- Gunasekara, T. (2023). Still, the Mirage. Retrieved 20 Nov. 2023 from
- Kuruwita, R. (2023). Drug procurement rackets: GMOA wants mastermind arrested. Retrieved 24 Nov. 2023 from https://island.lk/drug-procurement-rackets-gmoa-wants-mastermind-arrested/
- Jayawardena, M. (2024). IRD, CIABOC fail to act on Pandora Papers revelation. Ceylon Today, 10 Feb. 2024. Retrieved from https://ceylontoday.lk/2024/02/10/ird-ciaboc-fail-to-act-on-pandora-papers-revelation/
- Jayasundara-Smits, S. (2024). Sri Lanka Stuck In Choppy Political And Economic Waters – Analysis. Eurasiareview, 10 Feb. 2024. Retrieved from https://www.eurasiareview.com/10022024-sri-lanka-stuck-in-choppy-political-and-economic-waters-analysis/
- Mudugamuwa, M. (2024). Central Bank bond scam: Spotlight refocuses on the scandal. The Morning, 6 Oct. 2024. Retrieved 11 Oct. 2024 from https://www.themorning.lk/articles/QEsKMaocNYRw9Ff5qeqQ
- Grandma’s gems and other matters. The Island, 11 Oct. 2024. Retrieved from https://island.lk/grandmas-gems-and-other-matters/
- Lasantha’s kids speak out, 15 years since his murder. Retrieved 8 Jan. 2024 from https://www.ft.lk/news/Lasantha-s-kids-speak-out-15-years-since-his-murder/56-757162
- Fernando, R. (2023). Sandya Ekneligoda: 5000 days struggle for truth and justice. Retrieved 4 Oct. 2023 from https://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/Sandya-Ekneligoda-5000-days-struggle-for-truth-and-justice/172-268464
- Abeyagoonasekera, A. (2023), “Sri Lanka’s political-economic crisis; corruption, abuse of power and economic crime”, Journal of Financial Crime, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 1432-1443. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-03-2023-0069
- U.S. Dept of State. Sri Lanka 2023 human rights report. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/528267_SRI-LANKA-2023-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdf
- Rizwie, R. (2023). The criminal cost of Sri Lanka’s crisis. Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2023.
- Perera-Mubarak, K. N. (2012). Reading ‘stories’ of corruption: Practices and perceptions of everyday corruption in post-tsunami Sri Lanka. Political Geography, 31 (6), 368-378.
- Ferdinando, S. (2022). Galle Face protesters ask for probe in terms of Money Laundering Act. The Island Online, 31 Aug. 2022. Retrieved from https://island.lk/rohitha-denies-any-wrongdoing-in-hotel-construction-near-sinharaja/
- World Population Review. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024 from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/gdp-per-capita-by-country
- World Population Review. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024 from https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/by-gdp
- World Population Review. Accessed 7 Dec. 20224 from https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world
- Quah, J. S. (2018). Why Singapore works: five secrets of Singapore’s success. Public Administration and Policy, 21(1), 5-21.
- Murthy, P. (2023). The Japanese Economic Miracle. Retrieved 6 Dec. 2024 from https://econreview.studentorg.berkeley.edu/the-japanese-economic-
- IMF eLibrary. (2024). Governance and Growth: Lessons and Policy Implications. Retrieved 13 Dec. 2024 from https://www.elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2024/162/article-A001-en.xml
- Corruption and mismanagement in SOEs. Ceylon Today, 20 July 2023. Retrieved 13 Dec. 2024 from https://ceylontoday.lk/2023/07/20/corruption-and-mismanagement-in-soes/
*For over 30 years, the writer has worked as a librarian at the University of Peradeniya and Victoria University. Following retirement, he pursued a PhD in the field of management. He continues contributing to the field through his ongoing research and publications.
Wise-Professor / December 25, 2024
Insightful and wise narrative. A concept will require time, collective resolve and determination. Examples of the nations cited are relevant, but only Singapore has managed to achieve this sustainably.AKD can learn much from LKY in terms of leadership and his key goals. English to be the language of education (Sinhala and Tamil) joining to become the three official languages. Attract global experts in every field, in particular economy, health, education, meritocracy in all areas of governance. These are just starters. In the short term, people need food (rice, bread, dhal ….), health care, transport, which can be achieved by taking some simple steps to gain trust from those who were inspired by AKD and who need to see some action.
/
Ajith / December 25, 2024
“The road ahead is not without obstacles, but with exemplary leadership and collective discipline, Sri Lanka can chart a new course towards lasting peace, prosperity, and national pride.”
The world is going towards a new year within a week. Hope that Sri Lanka go towards a new chapter with a new government with people mandate. Racism and Religious Fundamentalism come to an end. People should realise that the country is in bankruptcy due to racism and Fundamentalism. In fact, this country only became independent from British rule but it was replaced by racism and religious fundamentalism. The country need to restart from nothing, so you cannot expect everything will come without any sacrifices from the people and those who representing the people.Honesty is more important than any other matter.
/
whywhy / December 25, 2024
” The president and parliament must lead by example . ” Not enough . This is a
country where mothers and fathers teach their children to live by tricks and lies .
The author should meet Kottahachchi to learn about leading by lies . Many or
most of the authors here miss one thing when they talk about prosperity of some
wealthy countries . They miss or skip the role of wars , loots and slavery in
bringing about prosperity , apart from hard work and theories and practices that
helped them find their new wealth . The whole world was engulfed in wars just a
few centuries back . The kingdoms lost their original borders , new borders , new
countries , a whole new world map got created . We just can not blindly go on
and on lying to the people about a prosperity based on our borrowed theories of
some kinds or other . Sirima tried to teach the country with austerity measures .
J R J did the extreme opposite and received the investments he expected from
wherever he wanted . And nobody talks today that he was stopped by L T T E war .
And that war was the red line that signalled J R J not to cross it . L T T E lost the
war , not to J R J but to his opponents and remember , nobody could cross the red
line imposed by that war .
/
Nathan / December 25, 2024
… Lee Kuan Yew’s outstanding leadership made Singapore a world wonder.
This statement is empty when said without what steps Lee Kuan Yew took to achieve it.
/
a14455 / December 26, 2024
I dont understand the fascination with this Singapore model for Sri Lanka. Singapore is a tiny city state that is ruled with an iron fist. what you can do in Singapore cannot be done in any other nation state. Forget Singapore there are many other models that have been successful in Asia. Thailand or Malaysia are better models for Sri Lanka.
I lived in Singapore for a decade and hated it,and left. If Sri Lanka is to be Singapore Ill gladly never come back.
/
old codger / December 26, 2024
Many Sri Lankans seem to think Singapore is some kind of paradise. But this comes with corollaries that few are aware of.
In Asia, Singapore , Japan, and South Korea have First World status. Japan was an industrial and military power even 100 years ago. Singapore even in colonial times was ahead of Sri Lanka. None of these countries were exemplary democracies while developing.
/
Nathan / December 26, 2024
old codger,
There is a price for everything. If you want it, you pay for it. I would.
/
old codger / December 26, 2024
Nathan,
” If you want it, you pay for it.”
Just my point.
/
Native Vedda / December 27, 2024
Nathan
–
“If you want it, you pay for it. “
–
Come on, this is Sri Lanka, we want everything free, from A to Z including free rice from moon (SJ knows this for sure), …..
/
Ajith / December 26, 2024
“Many Sri Lankans seem to think Singapore is some kind of paradise.”
Many Sri Lankans felt that Sri Lanka is not ideal to live peacefully. For some it may be a paradise but for some it is a hell. I don’t think Singapore had massacres of Tamils and Muslims happened between 1948 and until now happened in Singapore during this period. Most of the writers are afraid or unwilling to discuss or talk in this forum about the development of racism and religious fundamentalism over the decades and its impact on economic and political disaster.
/
SJ / December 26, 2024
“Most of the writers are afraid or unwilling to discuss etc.”
Why don’t you make a start?
Will it include all forms of racism?
/
old codger / December 26, 2024
Ajith,
“I don’t think Singapore had massacres of Tamils and Muslims happened between 1948 and until now happened in Singapore”
You may think so, but as usual you are wrong. There aren’t enough Tamils to riot, but there are Malays and Chinese Before you say it wasn’t a “massacre”, I must point out that, in a population of 1.8 million, it is one.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_race_riots_in_Singapore
/
a14455 / December 27, 2024
yes. the Chinese in Singapore are quite racist towards the Malays and the south Indians. and the way I see it if you live in Singapore you only have the right to agree with the rulers. Even the eldest son of LKY lives in exile. While his second son was the president.
and imagine if the Tamils or the Malays were to start an uprising against the state those who would,will never see a day in sunlight again. To live in Sri Lanka and and pine for such a state is quite rich in my humble opinion.
/
Ajith / December 28, 2024
“There aren’t enough Tamils to riot, “
So you decide based on numbers?
There are not enogh Tamils to riot but there are enough Tamils to make Tamil as official language.
“but as usual you are wrong. “
but as usual you are ????????
/
hanchopancha / December 25, 2024
You have forgotten the 300 kgs.. of heroin that arrived in a container with the blessings of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana. It ended up with the Government Analyst and nothing is heard since. In fact the President AKD made lot of noise about it, He seems to have forgotten all about it. The Ministry of Justice is the most corrupt ministry. Its entire staff from the Minister to the minion and back up to the Minister are unqualified, incompetent, corrupt nincompoops.
/
nimal fernando / December 25, 2024
Wish all of you a Merry Christmas!
–
And thanks to the CT team for providing a platform for Lankans to express their opinions freely.
/
a14455 / December 26, 2024
reading the tea leaves of this article , I think there is no hope for this country. These people think by giving a few fancy speeches the govt sector can be reformed. and somehow the legal system that takes 10 to 15 years to settle a case can be reformed by a few grandiose statements.
After seeing what this government is doing it is clear most of their talk before coming to power is just that. The Actions are completely different. AKD goes to India and wants to connect the grid to indias grid. Now that is not an unreasonable position but someone had posted what he said about the same thing before coming to power. Similarly many of their pre coming to power positions have been reversed. The answer one of the ministers gave is that the reason for that opposition was because “we” were not in power.
Is this what makes a disciplined society?
Investors are looking for a return on capital, not a disciplined society. Look at South Korea and Taiwan. One could argue these are two of the most chaotic places, but their governments are investor-friendly. Look at tourism in Sri Lanka. Some people call 2 million tourists a win for a country that has been ranked top in most tourist publications for years a win. It really is a joke.
/
old codger / December 27, 2024
I will believe something has changed when policemen stop taking bribes, traffic offenders stop giving bribes, and lawyers resolve the resulting court cases within one day.
Too much to hope for?
Already the government has backtracked on teachers giving private tuition. I doubt it will dare touch doctors or lawyers, leave alone rice mill owners or bus mudalalis.
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
/
leelagemalli / December 26, 2024
I don’t think liars can teach people about discipline and honesty. But if most people are stupid, they can succeed at pretending.
.
Today we see the flowers of the plants that the cabinet including Mr. RW planted 2.5 years ago.
–
The progressive levels of the ratings for the economy are to everyone’s praise. The credit for that goes unequivocally to RW and his cabinet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NmoolWfSwM
–
However saddest reality is that the current media and government are not humble enough to state it. Instead, they make every effort to issue PUBLIC statements such as ” lying in public should be as people’s democratic right” or the like popular statements. how shameful should the current rulers be ?
.
What a tragedy we are facing today? credibility of Malimawa ?
–
Some compare it to the boy who makes the most noise in the classroom becoming the speaker of the class.
–
Before AKD seized power by cheating as the leader of the current government, he talked a lot about his and his team’s wonder making tactics. Today he has proved, he is none but another GOTABAYA:
–
Only a few experts like Prof. Nirmal Devasiri and a few YouTubers are brave enough to criticize it, everyone else is still in favor of AKD’s weak politics.
/
MSarrij / December 26, 2024
“Things” will most likely not get better unless a new younger generation of politicians are given the opportunity. Unfortunately since independence a small group of “influential political actors have dominated the political scene giving rise to a culture of impunity There is a practical way of tackling this significant issue i.e a “New Constitution stipulating AGE and TERM Limits to Elected Office; a younger brighter generation ,hopefully.
Good Luck
/
Jack / December 26, 2024
This is very timely article and appreciate the topic. NPP government has so far shown that there top brass will be clean but that will not make a corruption free society. As you rightly said two other systems need major changes are legal system and public sector.
Sri Lanka’s public sector runs inefficiently with purpose for the public sector corrupt employees. You can’t get any work done straightaway with inefficient system. There is orchestrated delays, asking for multiple documents and asking to produce something which is not existing are common tactics to artificially show that the work is difficult. The consumer was forced to think that bribe is required and after giving hefty bribe they immensely thanked the receiver of the bribe for getting the work done.
This must be stopped. Digitization will be partial solution but discipline is supported by legal punishment like immediately sacking corrupted public sector employees from peon to the executive is required.
Same thing applies to legal system including judges, lawyers and minor employee of the court.
Go to a municipal council in Sri lanka to get something done and you will experience all what I said in firsthand.
/
whywhy / December 26, 2024
All countries that hold elections to vote in governments offer their voters
development plans including the Developed countries . Even in Developed
countries there is always something more to be done for their people and
contesting parties have competitive goals to achieve for their voters . The
play is endless and the Strongest Survive Better . Take a closer look at
what happens differently in the US as election nears . They pick up a war
somewhere far beyond their borders , a weaker lot in military capacity ,
uncomparable to their level , to prove to their public , they are the Strongest .
In our case , all our people are liars and thieves and we found a young , honest
and an energetic party to catch Those Liars and Thieves ! This is our
Development Goal . And in their Very Ambitious Goal , Kottahachchi the lawyer ,
Encourages The Public To Keep Lying While Her Leader A K D Warns The
Liars and Fraudsters of Consequences ! Discipline , my foot !
/
Douglas / December 27, 2024
“DISCIPLINE” – It is a TWO WAY street.
1. Self-cultivated and adorned in one’s character that consciously directs the behavior for the welfare and benefit of the society.
2. Imposed by Law – a behavior that requires one to abide by morality and justice.
If everyone in society chooses the (1) above, it would be the ideal situation. But, it does not happen that easily. So, action in (2) is a necessity.
/