In line with the dire need to strengthen public sector reforms for efficiency in public administration, a long-felt need, the Ruhuna University Alumni Colombo Association (RUACA) presented a comprehensive report on improving State sector efficiency to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament Office last week.
The proposal, developed by RUACA members – comprising experienced professionals from the state and private sectors focuses on key areas such as enhancing public services to be more efficient and people-friendly, a concept paper for the fast-track national program for effective public service improvement in transportation systems, education reforms and promotional activities to foster positive social attitudes.
The report identifies existing loopholes in these sectors and provides practical corrective measures. This in-depth study was conducted over three to four months, incorporating discussions and workshops led by in-house experts.
The proposals also align with the Government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative, public opinions, and the 2025 budget proposals.
Former Survey General and RUACA member Palitha Udayakaantha said that this initiative aims to support the Government’s efforts in building a better society. He highlighted the responsibility of those who have benefited from Sri Lanka’s free education system to contribute to national progress.
As part of its advocacy efforts, RUACA is organising a nationwide open art, poster, and short video competition titled ‘NAWANETH’ to engage the public in shaping societal attitudes. This initiative will also include participation from the disabled community —such as the deaf, blind and mute — ensuring diverse perspectives on social change.
RUACA remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue and actionable reforms for a more efficient and people-centric State sector.
A Public Service Reforms Division under the Ministry of Public Administration and Provincial Councils and Local Government was set up to introduce reforms for the proper management of human resources in the public service.
The Division was tasked with developing information technology systems and online platforms for human resource management, re-engineering processes in a way that minimises unnecessary work steps and delays to replace the outdated methodologies and making modifications and reforms required to create a public administration mechanism that suits the needs and trends of the future generation and the modern world through digitisation.
It is expected to create the necessary programs to improve efficiency, productivity, transparency, accountability and people-centered decision-making ability to meet the current challenges of human resource management in the public service.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed the need to allocate and utilise public funds efficiently amidst mounting debt and rising interest payments, it is imperative that government officials exercise prudence and accountability in financial management.
The broader public perception of inefficiency within the Public Service further underscores the urgency of these reforms. Wasteful expenditure, administrative redundancies, and a bloated workforce have long hindered Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
