10 December, 2024

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Beyond Identity: Crafting A Cabinet Of Competence

By Fareez Farook

Fareez Farook

“In merit we trust, beyond the veil of creed,  A cabinet of skill, to serve the nation’s need. With unity and strength, let progress be our guide, For Sri Lanka’s future, let competence decide.”

A few days ago, I received a call from an acquaintance, whom I’ll refer to as Shabeer. He expressed his frustration, saying, “Even someone as divisive as Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed Ali Sabry, a Muslim, to the powerful Ministry of Justice. Yet, the current government led by Anura does not have a single Muslim cabinet minister.”

I listened patiently and then explained to Shabeer that Ali Sabry’s appointment was not a recognition of his skills, experience, or expertise. Rather, it was a reward from Gotabaya for his unwavering loyalty and for representing him in court. I then asked Shabeer to consider what tangible contributions Ali Sabry had made to the nation or to his community.

Our conversation lasted nearly 45 minutes, during which I was able to help Shabeer see the flaws in his judgment. By the end, he understood that true merit and genuine service to the community should be the guiding principles for such appointments, rather than mere political loyalty.

As a Sri Lankan Muslim, I feel compelled to address this controversy surrounding the absence of Muslim cabinet ministers in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake‘s new government. This issue has sparked significant debate, with some accusing the administration of sidelining the community. However, I believe it is essential to look beyond the surface and understand the broader context and intentions behind these appointments.

In a move that surprised many, he assembled a team of ministers based on merit and expertise, rather than the usual political considerations. As we Muslims say, In Sha ALLAH (If God Willing) this strategy promises to bring about a winning outcome for Sri Lanka.

While there has been some debate over the absence of Muslim representation within this cabinet, it’s important to note that most Muslims do not necessarily require representation by Muslim cabinet ministers to feel their interests are safeguarded. What they truly desire is peace along with assurance that their religious rights and freedoms remain intact.

Having Muslim ministers does not inherently guarantee active advocacy for their community’s needs; often political pressures can stifle such voices even when representation exists nominally within cabinets. Historically speaking, many ministers have been more focused on personal gain rather than genuine representation during times when their communities needed them most.

The trust that the Muslim community has placed in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is deeply rooted in his consistent advocacy for inclusive governance and social justice. Throughout his political career, Anura has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the needs of all Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. This inclusive approach has resonated strongly with the Muslim community, who have often felt marginalized in the political landscape.

During the recent elections, many Muslims saw in Anura a leader who genuinely understood their aspirations and concerns. His promises of equitable development, protection of religious freedoms, and a merit-based approach to governance struck a chord with voters who were tired of the old politics of division and favoritism. Anura’s track record of standing up for minority rights and his transparent, no-nonsense style of leadership further cemented this trust.

Anura’s administration, with its focus on meritocracy, offers a refreshing change. The community believes that competent and dedicated ministers, regardless of their religious background, are more likely to implement policies that benefit everyone, including Muslims. This pragmatic approach is why many Muslims voted for Anura and continue to support his government.

The community’s trust is also reinforced by Anura’s efforts to engage with them directly. He has made it a point to visit Muslim-majority areas, listen to their concerns, and ensure that their religious rights and freedoms are protected. This hands-on approach has helped build a strong rapport and a sense of mutual respect.

The debate around appointing cabinet ministers from minority communities brings both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, appointing ministers from minority communities ensures that these groups have a direct voice in the highest levels of government. This can lead to policies that better reflect their needs and concerns, fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. For instance, in countries like Canada, the inclusion of ministers from diverse backgrounds has led to more comprehensive and inclusive policymaking. Additionally, when minority communities see their members in positions of power, it can build trust and confidence in the government, helping to bridge gaps between the government and minority groups, promoting social cohesion. The appointment of minority ministers in South Africa post-apartheid, for example, helped in healing and rebuilding trust among different racial groups. Furthermore, representation in the cabinet can serve as a powerful symbol of equality and progress, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inspiring future generations from minority communities to aspire to leadership roles. The election of Barack Obama as the first African American President of the United States had a profound symbolic impact on racial equality.

However, there are also significant drawbacks to this approach. There is a risk that appointing minority ministers could be seen as tokenism, where individuals are chosen more for their identity than their qualifications. This can undermine the effectiveness of governance if the appointees are not the best candidates for the job. Token appointments can lead to resentment and a perception that the government is more interested in appearances than actual competence. Additionally, focusing too much on ethnic or religious representation can reinforce divisions within society, leading to a situation where communities expect representation based solely on identity, rather than merit or capability. In some countries, such as Lebanon, the emphasis on sectarian representation has perpetuated divisions and hindered national unity. Moreover, minority ministers might face undue pressure to prioritize their community’s interests over national interests, leading to conflicts of interest and hindering their ability to perform their duties impartially. Ministers from minority communities might be seen as representatives of their community rather than the entire nation, limiting their effectiveness.

The optimal approach is to ensure that cabinet appointments are based on merit and qualifications while also striving for diversity. This means selecting the most competent individuals for each role, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, but also making a conscious effort to include diverse perspectives. If the selection process is transparent and based on merit, the demand for specific minority representation can be waived. The focus should be on appointing the best candidates who can effectively serve the nation. In a scenario where all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute to national development, the emphasis on minority representation can be secondary. Additionally, if the government demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusive policies and actively engages with minority communities, the need for specific representation in the cabinet may be less critical. Regular consultations with minority leaders and community representatives can ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed, even without direct representation in the cabinet. In times of national crisis or when unity is paramount, the focus should be on appointing individuals who can best navigate the challenges and lead the country effectively. In such cases, the demand for minority representation can be temporarily set aside in favor of stability and competence.

Arundhati Roy, a renowned Indian writer and activist, has often emphasized the importance of genuine representation and the dangers of tokenism. In her works, she argues that true empowerment comes from addressing systemic issues and ensuring that all voices are heard, not just those that fit a particular identity. Roy’s insights remind us that the goal should be to create a system where merit and competence are the primary criteria for leadership, ensuring that the best candidates are in positions of power to serve the entire nation effectively.

Instead of making a big issue out of the lack of Muslim cabinet ministers, let’s strengthen Anura’s hand. By supporting his vision for a merit-based administration, we can ensure that the government is equipped with the most capable individuals who can address the needs of all Sri Lankans, including the Muslim community. This approach will foster a more inclusive and effective government, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.

It is also crucial to recognize that this controversy has been fueled by some anti-government and selfish elements who stand to gain by dishonoring the popular government. These elements, both domestic and overseas, have manipulated certain organizations to support their agenda, thereby harming the reputation of Anura’s government. By creating a false narrative of discrimination, they aim to destabilize the administration and undermine the progress that has been made.

In conclusion, while the representation of minority communities in the cabinet is important for inclusivity and trust, it should not come at the expense of merit and competence. A balanced approach that values diversity but prioritizes qualifications and the ability to govern effectively is the best way forward. This ensures that all citizens, regardless of their background, benefit from good governance and equitable policies. As we move forward, it is crucial to support President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s vision for a merit-based administration that truly serves the interests of all Sri Lankans.

Latest comments

  • 4
    42

    Cabinet of Competence! I think given what AKD has kept himself busy with at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Kotte, that’s an apt name since when abridged it spelks COC without a k in it…. So AKD is the COC head I suppose…? Or is it Arini… I mean Harini…? Well if we can add the suffix suckers, it would all make perfect sense – CoC Suckers! Crafting CoC Suckers, what Sri Lanka has been doing all this time, from Sangakkara to Anura Kumara Dissanayake. And there are authors like this who sing for their supper….. sans any qualms… *sigh*

    • 2
      39

      By the way the video footage of the events that took place in a room at the Water’s Edge Hotel I hear soon would be available online! Given that Australian minors still can access Porn sites freely, even though they’d banned from facebook and instagram, they too I am sure could have a look at AKD’s antics, and what’s more? Harini’s too. Great role models for future leaders…

      • 3
        35

        Oohh forgot to say if you are the impatient type, ask Ranil, he has had it exclusively premiered to, watch it, as it happens and when it happens, from the room next door!

        • 14
          0

          Ruchira, Congratulations!
          You have set a new record on Colombo Telegraph by accumulating a total of 76 Thumbs Downs while commenting on a single article. Keep it up, man!

          • 9
            0

            Hello Captain,
            Currently 86, and just about to become 87, I am adding my first ever Red Thumb.
            Best regards

          • 8
            0

            CM,
            Looks like even Lester doesn’t like Ruchira.

          • 4
            0

            Hip, hip, hooray!
            Ruchira has scored a century!

  • 11
    2

    Beyond Identity: Crafting A Cabinet Of Competence.

    Muslim continue to support NPP by having sadness in heart any explanation will not erase it
    as per Wion news out let disscussion with sri lanka representive says there is no qualified Muslim in NPP.

    If there is a growing sentiment among Muslims feeling underrepresented in the NPP cabinet, yet they continue to show support for the party, it could indicate a deeper trust in the NPP’s long-term vision or their policy framework. This “backward support,” as you describe it, might stem from a belief that the party will eventually address these grievances or deliver on its promises of inclusivity and fairness.

    Muslim communities may see potential in the NPP to bring progressive changes to Sri Lanka’s political landscape, especially if they perceive it as a better alternative to traditional parties. However, sustained support will likely depend on how the NPP handles this dissatisfaction:

    Proactive Engagement: The NPP could organize forums or consultations with Muslim leaders and communities to understand their concerns and aspirations better.

    Policy Commitments: Demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing issues affecting Muslim communities, such as equal opportunities, social justice, and religious freedom, can help bridge the gap.

  • 13
    8

    “As Sri Lanka Muslims”
    Isn’t it the time now for a person in the paradise island to think as Sri Lankan first and to think on religious lines?
    In SL, we speak either in Tamil or Singhalese. Why can’t the Muslims align with the minorities and make sure that their RIGHTS are not trampled!!!!

  • 14
    1

    Your article gives a very good explanation for the question asked by most people in SL. Thanks for it

    • 6
      2

      The explanation is fine. The merits should be used and the politics of past 76 years based on not merit but for wrong reasons. In the past 76 years Tamils were denied in all rights and discriminated including education,employment, economy and thousands of lives. Once based on merits Tamils topped in all sectors and institutions. Even I joined university under standardisation most of the heads of departments are Tamil. Once Tamils are victimised is it correct to say that we are for merit when 100 percentage without any evidence.

      • 1
        2

        “Once based on merits Tamils topped in all sectors and institutions.”
        Really?

  • 4
    21

    ” A balanced approach that values diversity but prioritizes qualifications and the ability to govern effectively is the best way forward”.

    So, in spite of the long harang, the writer admits that “the balanced approach that values diversity but prioritizes ….” ended up without any Muslim in the cabinet. But this is a consequence of the fact that there have been no “Marxist Muslims” and “left-intelelctualism” in the generations that formed the 1971 JVP and later – there were no Muslim candidates in the NPP list. We must remeber taht Islam had gone to becoming even more backward-looking in those years of the JVP. There have been more violence within Muslim communities, as never in the days of Zahira College Founders, or T. B. Jaya, Rasik Fareed etc. Instead, today we have Wahabi influences, battles between Suni and Shiite groups, JIhadists etc. The only reason to have a nominal Muslim in the cabinet is not so much to “fulfil” the needs of local Muslims, but to fulfil the strategic need for Sri Lanka to be able to make use of wealthy, religiously orthodox (but irreligious) Oil Shieks of who run the so-called middle-east. In any case, the less religion the better. “Leave unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and leave unto God the things that are God’s Domain”.

    • 2
      1

      “Instead, today we have Wahabi influences, battles between Suni and Shiite groups, JIhadists etc.”
      That is a little over the top.
      Why don’t you first take a look at the petty sectarianism among Tamils.

  • 9
    6

    “By supporting his [AKDs] vision for a merit-based administration, we can ensure that the government is equipped with the most capable individuals who can address the needs of all Sri Lankans, including the Muslim community.”
    Mr. Farook, aren’t you kidding yourself? Your final point on a balanced approach that values diversity but prioritises qualifications/merit/competence is what is relevant. If there were a level playing field in politics, we would have had 52% women and 30% minority ethnic groups in parliament, as represented in the SL population. The lack thereof is a sign of the underlying sexism and racism in our society. However, the NPP still has a relatively large pool of female, Tamil and Muslim MPs from whom to select for the cabinet. The current NPP cabinet is mainly composed of party loyalists and mediocre academics. Some of these party loyalists and academics are competent to be ministers because of proven leadership qualities, experience in the sector and/or ability to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical context. Quite a number are not. Prove to me that for every Sinhala man in the Cabinet, there wasn’t a more competent/better qualified woman, Tamil or Muslim for that portfolio!

    • 2
      16

      Mani, we feel that we need to critically evaluate all that political leaders do according to their plan to govern, which is not ours. Why don’t we allow President to do it the way he wants to. I am sure there will not be some major flaw, or we come in at that point. Ethnic, sex based, religious, democracy based all have mostly truth but need to leave room for variations too.

      • 6
        0

        DTG, for God’s sake, God gave us a brain to use it. Why don’t you use yours? Whatever plan that political leaders have to govern us is not theirs but ours, since we are the ones being governed. The Aragalaya taught us the valuable lesson that for too long we have let crooks and idiots govern us and steal from us. That will no longer happen if we stay engaged as citizens. So it is my business and yours, who is in the Cabinet, not just the President’s, as the Cabinet initiates policies and legislation that affect our lives. You might want to be governed by fools for eternity but I don’t and I will make my voice heard.

    • 1
      1

      Mani,
      “Prove to me that for every Sinhala man in the Cabinet, there wasn’t a more competent/better qualified woman, Tamil or Muslim for that portfolio!”
      Perhaps they are in the wrong party, and the NPP has shot itself in the foot by refusing non-NP members.

  • 2
    1

    A photo holds a void some will deeply feel,
    While others justify, finding solace in the unreal. Green mark for some yellow for some and red for some remembered in future

  • 14
    1

    Native,

    What have you got to say ……. this woman has one of the most honest Lankan faces I’ve ever seen …… you would believe anything she says ………. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkiBEymnGgM

    They say Ravi and she removed Ranil’s trousers from his head …….. it must be a new experience for such an experienced man like Ranil …… to add to his tally of experiences to boast about! :)))

    • 11
      1

      No kidding . You mean to say, sordid affairs told by our investigative peep and his partner, 300 psi AI powered investigative cameraman, are true ????? ………..” water’s edge diaries “
      LOL

    • 10
      0

      nimal fernando

      Are you blaming Ranil for the current state of weather in Sri Lanka, storm, landslide, rain, flood,… ? I am told Jaffna University art faculty student union leader believes AKD is causing all that in the North.

      Is it true AKD created the weather condition to disrupt VP’s birthday party and Maaveerar remembrance event. Weather didn’t dissuade people from participating both.

      Was it Sarath Weerasekere’s (හූනියම) Huniyama?

      • 8
        0

        “Are you blaming Ranil”

        Native,


        Ranil is used and discarded: history …… now buried with Uncle Junious …….

        Ravi Karurarathna is the leader of the UNP now and in the parliament. He schemed better and now has all the things Ranil was scheming to have! :)))

        Man, you should switch your allegiance to him ……. no point sticking with a lost cause ….. and going down with the ship. :))))

  • 5
    11

    No one downplay the importance of merit but one should not forget to
    underestimate the rudeness behind the planning of excluding a well
    established way of offering gratitude to a community for its share in
    supporting a cause . If it is correctly interpreted that all voters voted
    for a change that will bulldoze long held traditions in the name of
    change , why then Muslim Minister issue comes up in the country
    right now and racial remarks are being made ? I would only advise
    Muslims not to give these ignorant JVPers anymore chance to open
    their stinking mouths to justify their action . Do Not Forget That They
    Are J V P that used N P P as a cover to grab power from a power
    greedy lot that betrayed the Trust of the vulnerable public . The same
    same type of betrayal is switched on against the Muslim Cabinet
    presence under various pretexts in the name of merit . Muslims must
    react in the forthcoming local and provincial elections . If Competence
    works against Muslim ID then the govt is up to some mischief .

  • 12
    14

    The second most powerful person in this government is Harini Amarasuriya. The Amarasuriya family has so many people with Christian names that they have to be Christians. They also have a Moratuwa Fernando. We also have Minister Paulraj. Then we have Chandrasekeran, a Hindu.
    The only point I make is that the cabinet was not made with any communalist consideration.

    • 6
      0

      Jaffna Man,
      Do try to refrain from speculation. Harini Amarasuriya comes from the Amarasuriya family of Galle. The Galle Amarasuriyas are Buddhists, not Christians. The more politically well-known branch, represented in the then Senate and Parliament by Thomas and Henry, were Buddhist revivalists. Between the two of them, they were office holders/patrons of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, the YMBA, the Buddhist Theosophical Society and the Mahabodhi Society. Henry was also the Manager of the Buddhist Education Society of Galle. Thomas and Henry were orphaned young and their vast tea estates were managed by uncle Tantalus Amarasuriya (Harini’s grandfather) until they came of age.
      Whatever their ethnicity/religion, Harini Amarasuriya and Saroja Paulraj are fully competent to be included in the Cabinet. On the other hand, a Christian here, a Hindu there – that is tokenism! The point is that there are quite a number of incompetent Sinhala men, who could have been easily replaced by competent women, Tamils and Muslims among the NPP MPs. If not for the underlying racism/sexism within the NPP, the competence of these individuals would have been recognised.

    • 2
      8

      Jaffna Man, there will always be some jokers who are critical about anything and everything as it is part of their nature. Need to leave them alone and carry on with what is planned until there is a breakdown if things are wrong. Ridiculous to harp on religious beliefs of governing people which can be changed at various points in their lives.

    • 3
      1

      Dear Jeevan Hoole,
      .
      I’m in a hurry
      , but seeing this, let me tell you what I know. And about Harini, that is quite a lot, but surely, you know her quite well, don’t you? It was definitely Rajan who once gave me her email address, after which I have corresponded with her a little, and met her briefly.
      .
      I’m being cautious since much of what we know comes from the Internet. That, and first hand knowledge, get blurred. For instance, Vrai Calais Balthazar, did not get elected, but I seem to know her quite well from YouTubes.
      .
      And so with Harini; she’s had one parent who was a Christian (probably the mother) and one who was a Buddhist. Her sister had been at both Musaeus and Bishops, but her brother only at S. Thomas’. However, do check on this.
      .
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harini_Amarasuriya
      .
      One mistake: born in McCarthy Nursing home – she said it herself on YouTube; the home may have been mostly Galle.
      .
      It may be that others are as ignorant as I about the other woman Minister:
      .
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saroja_Savithri_Paulraj
      .
      But now that she is a Minister (and a very fine one, I’m sure that she will prove to be), the proverbial nastiness of Lankans comes to the fore:
      .
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlksqqy6QLI – කැබිනට් ඇමතිනිය සරෝජා පෝල්රාජ් සැප වාහනයක් හා කොළඹින් නිවසක් ඉල්ලයි.
      .
      I have no problem with any of this.
      .
      Panini Edirisinhe

    • 8
      0

      Hello Jaffna Man,
      I have a Christian Name (whatever that is) so had my Father (Thomas), my Grandfather (Daniel) and his Grandfather (Andrew). None of us were or are Christians. My Indian and Sri Lankan friends, and some that are now Relations, could not understand how someone from the UK was NOT a Christian. So don’t jump to conclusions, even if we are in Sri Lanka. If you ask Sinhala_Man he will tell you that the UK (including England) is a Secular Country and not Christian.
      Best regards

    • 1
      1

      “Minister Paulraj. “

      You are inventing something to add to your Christian extremism. According to Langkang laws, her last name should be Amarakoon for my understanding. (She might be a Tamil because Amarakoons….. Alakakoons, just a half a century ago, were Tamil names). I don’t know where this “Paul” Raj comes from. Can you explain that to me please. She might have had some Tamil naming practice in the past, it doesn’t make sense at this stage, unless it is an electioneering tactic. Otherwise, in that grammar, all Negombos, Puttalams are Tamils. Her Facebook starts in Sinhala (not English, though following that”). Maybe Mrs. Fernandopillai is more of a Tamils than this lady? But Tamil Buddhist Suren, or Javan were, while they were NPC governors, they fully represented exclusively Sinhalese, then Rapist Army commander Chandrasiri, but not the Tamils.

      You can wag your tail as much as you want. NPP clearly said, two days before the election, there won’t be any minister position for Tamils leaders as they had missed the train. I must clarify this for the imbeciles, Sumanthiran, whom the JaffnaMan always uphold, is not getting any minister position even if he is Buddhist or Christian. Period! Just to repeat, you can wag your tail as much as you want, but no minister position.

    • 2
      0

      People do every jugglery to their name to misrepresent them as election winnable persons. This is what Don Stephen, Solomon’s West Ridgeway Dias, Dudley, Junius Richard …..the British time Euro-Sinhala Buddishts Generation did. But the word of NPP is cut and dried, wording, “Tamils leaders are not getting appointed as ministers”. So, whatever the true name of that lady, without any of your convoluted explanations, “She is not a Tamils Minister!” . Period. Please stop this kind attempt of tricking the innocents; Anura very clearly in the assumption of, when he was saying that, Jaffna, Batti Tamils are the ones truly lead Tamils in their political landscape. Upcountry Tamils were always with UNP, and in this election they got the only one seat for UNP, but when Upcountry Tamils were disenfranchised, GG was blamed for that heinous act. If you want to talk about politics, you need to understand what you are talking about. Just suddenly jumping into Arumuganavalar’s caste wouldn’t have saved the Tamil from British Christians. Arumuganavalar translated the Bible into Tamil. That is a service for Tamil. Some others are claiming they too did it. If there is any truth in that, that is not a service, but true conversion techniques to receive favors from foreign governments. Vipulananthar translated Shakespeare, the sincere work is claimed to be better than Shakespeare’s original. That is what you call service for society.

  • 8
    1

    A christian forename or even a last name means very little.
    Many members of the Sinhala elite classes took on European names for various reasons that I will not go into. That had nothing to do with religion.
    I know well one David Perera who is neither Christian nor Portuguese.

  • 2
    4

    A man who knows nothing about Gems and Jewellery is proudly
    appointed as the chairman of that authority because he is good
    about financial management according to Minister Handunnetti .
    His full speech on the spot can be watched on VFM . New chairman
    now has to generate enough revenue from a business he has zero
    knowledge but with his experience of working with Money . ” The
    definition of a competent person is someone who has the necessary
    skills , experience and knowledge to manage a task .” Handunnetti
    who in my knowledge is , an MBA at Japura . Theory Masters are
    now applying their theory knowledge to prove their learning at a heavy
    cost to the public . Gem is a business that took centuries to become
    known to the outside world . The business world does not recognise
    or encourage states to run such businesses . That is the main reason
    why Gem and Jewellery Authority is a failure . Country has taken a
    decision to go backward by another five or possibly ten years with L boards
    in the name of Merits .

  • 4
    2

    The appointment of Ministers, State Ministers and the Secretaries including other senior positions seems to be very satisfactory. Congratulations President Anura. However, there are two more things that need to be done:

    1. The Attorney General has to be changed. There may be legal issues in this, but it has to be done and the President should find a way to do it as the AG has not acted according to the laws of the land and honestly. He has been a political “henchaiya”.

    2. If we observe most of the Government Senior employees who hold very important positions are all Sinhalese. I am not a Racist. But, as we all know that Mahinda and Ranil and their cabinet members have all acted as Racists and have mostly appointed only Sinhalese officials to the top positions including the Police and Armed Forces. This has to be rectified by President Anura. He has to find a just way, without hurting the deserving Sinhalese, and at the same time be fair to the other minorities.

    • 4
      0

      Buddhist1,
      “I am not a Racist. But as we all know that Mahinda and Ranil and their cabinet members have all acted as Racists and have mostly appointed only Sinhalese officials to the top positions including the Police and Armed Forces.”
      It looks as if the Perception, that there aren’t any other than the Sinhalese are Intelligent, Knowledgeable or Talented to perform as good as the Sinhalese in “Top Positions”?? This cannot be true and also devoid of application of any MERIT based basis!!?? Or was it the language divide between Sinhalese and Tamils, make the appointees misunderstand the Capabilities and Sensibleness to understand, what the Tamil Officers proffered as RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS POSED BY THOSE INTERVIEWING MINISTERS AND THEIR AIDES AT INTERVIEWS!!??
      INTERVIEWING MINISTERS AND THEIR AIDES AT INTERVIEWS AREN’T AT ALL RACIST!!?? THEY’RE NATIONALISTS & PATRIOTS!!??
      I fully agree with you on this, support the request, early correction!!??

  • 6
    1

    “Cabinet Of Competence” – How would one measure “Competency”?

    Is it by the level of literacy one has acquired? Is it by any experience gained in doing something? Is it by the eloquence (expression in charity and facts) one displays?

    This cabinet of the Government of NPP would fall into one or all of the above criteria. But is that all the voters want? Not. Then what?

    The people want the cabinet to “PROVE” that it is carrying out the policies and work plans set out in the subject matters listed under each of its ministries. So far, we have not seen anything worth talking about. Yes, it has been a short time since taking over the functions.
    So we are waiting to see how they perform and then only their “Competency” would be judged. It is too early to tell.

  • 13
    1

    A well written article that is mature, strategically sensible and shows tolerance and patience. If indeed the NPP government will deliver welfare and systemic improvements to all the people, we should be happy. However, if a minority is marginalized or discriminated against, then we must speak up and demand change. Figureheads and token representation have never benefitted the minority communities. So, competent people must steer the difficult path ahead, with one identity for all.

  • 3
    1

    Successfully Embracing Capitalism: The Modern-Day Marxist Paradox in Sri Lanka
    .
    The writer, from the introduction to the conclusion, emphasizes the concept of merit as a cornerstone of governance—an idea echoed by GR during his campaign. However, it begs the question: what do we truly mean by “merit”? How do we define and measure it?
    .
    If a degree is the standard for merit, then Sri Lanka, with its countless graduates, should theoretically have no shortage of qualified individuals ready to govern. Does this mean every graduate is capable of steering the nation? Or is there more to merit than academic credentials alone?

  • 3
    0

    The second issue lies in our collective approach to appointments. Public anger or support typically peaks at the point of selection. But much like the complexities of marriage, the real challenge lies not in the beginning but in sustaining and navigating the journey afterward. Governance requires strategies akin to corporate practices—quarterly reviews of performance metrics, for instance. Key indicators such as budgeted versus actual outcomes, public spending efficiency, and tangible benefits to citizens must be scrutinized. Moreover, systemic improvements—streamlining bureaucratic processes, digitizing outdated manual tasks, and leveraging intelligent systems—are essential for public sector transformation.
    .
    If equality is ensured in principle, it becomes the responsibility of pressure groups to tirelessly identify cases where capable individuals are excluded due to race, religion, or other biases. The focus must shift from reactive grievance to proactive vigilance.

  • 2
    0

    On a side note, it wouldn’t be surprising to see articles emerge with headlines like the one I mentioned given how the IMF and AKD governance handle economic issues.Therefore, juxtaposition of theory and practice could become a key theme in analyzing Sri Lanka’s evolving political and economic landscape.
    .
    In conclusion, while the author succeeded in convincing a fellow Muslim in a brief 45-minute discussion, translating those ideas into a written piece still lacks the depth and substance needed to address the intricate subject of meritocracy in governance.

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    This is a fair article. In the past, Muslim’s in the Cabinet served the country with distinction, in education, foreign affairs to name a few. They were respected by all. However, the recent lot’s contributions are questionable. A good speech in Parliament by these guys is self satisfying just for showmanship like a hot air Balloon. Very little could they do being held bondage for the sins they have committed. Sometimes Tamil and Sinhalese members have come forward to articulate Muslim community issues effectively. So that is not the only criteria for a Muslim to be in the cabinet, unless that person is chosen on merit. It is quite apparent that there is yet a single Muslim member of Parliament from NPP who could fit that bill visa- vis those who have been appointed. As they are in fact late-comers to the Party, it would take time to prove themselves.
    The Muslim community has been aroused by those who wish to seek the downfall of NPP. That is quite obvious. They need not be a party to that. The flip side has been rejected by them and don’t wish for it again. The common Muslims are divided in their views on this issue.

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