Need of an Effective Cabinet as Meritocracy Essential For Good Governance

During the recent past, the topics of much interest, discussion and debate have been Constitutional Amendments, National Government, Electoral Reforms, 100-day programme, investigations on abuse, bribery and corruption, cost of living and General elections; many an article has also been written and published with very little outcome!

However, on the presumption that all these have been dealt with or attempted to have been dealt with satisfactorily or otherwise resolved, much thought has to be given to what happens immediately after the General Elections. The respective election manifestos are now being debated, publicized and popularized with loads of promises and good intentions. How much of these become realities would be a good guess!

A wish of the entire majority in this country comprising of the honest citizens would be that there would truly be “Good Governance” in the country. This concept is not a prerogative of one political party or a group of them, as it has been in existence for quite some time and practised for better or worse. At a time when the future is not known, predictions being made, which political party (ies) would predominate, who would be the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition etc, it is time to open public debate on how “Good Governance” could be maintained. The election manifestos would have to not only include same but also indicate how such would be implemented. There are many publications, theories, regulations on Good Governance, but they will not produce the desired results if those responsible for such implementation are not appointed appropriately.

It is of paramount importance that “Good Governance” should be operative from both top and bottom, at all levels from all sides! Some feel that during the 100-day or till the forthcoming General Election is over it is only an interim trial period, a temporary period and had even refused to accept responsible positions, whereas it is reported that some were trying their best through influence to get such positions even on the short term, whereas some have been quite appropriately appointed with no influence but purely on their own merit.

It is this aspect of “MERITOCRACY” I wish to highlight as the main ingredient for “Good Governance”, whichever political party, alliance or peramuna dominates. Merit is quite rightly often rated high for spiritual merit, thereafter for academic and professional. While this is correct the last para of this article would also refer to other aspects of Merit relevant to Good Governance. In the appointment of Heads of

Institutions in the Public Sector, Chief Executive Officers,Advisors, Commission/ Council/Board members the keyword and criterion should be MERITOCRACY - i.e. in simple words those possessing meritworthy qualities and those with (i) a proven track record on the subject, (ii) current involvement in the subject and (iii) a good vision, based on merit alone, irrespective of race, caste, creed, friendship, relationship, wealth/generosity, old school/campus ties etc.

Talking of old school ties reference has been often made recently to the “Royal regime” not realizing that some of them belonging to that regime, before they went near the race course, had “a preparatory solid foundation at the school by the sea !”

As an apolitical citizen though many an article was written and published conveying views on Electoral Reforms under different themes, only a fraction of same would have been considered and implemented so far. On hearing about two weeks ago, at a gathering of Professionals, the President inviting professionals to interact with politicians in decision making it gave me at least some courage to write this article and sincere hope that suggestions may be considered. The consideration of such would depend on the first challenge the President would be faced with immediately after the General Election and that is the formation of an effective reasonably-sized Cabinet of Ministers. This the President may have skillfully and tactfully already worked out! In the alternative, the President may require some honest, competent apolitical advisers to suggest the composition! The challenge would be soon after 225 happy Members of Parliament have taken their oaths, while there would be a few thousand discontent. It would be soon after that episode another 25-30 MPs (hopefully) would be given their portfolios while a large number would once again be disappointed unless they have the consolation of deputy ministries.

In this connection, during the Presidency at the Organization of ProfessionalAssociations (OPA) in 2008 of Elmore Perera, a team of which I was a member, a proposal was made and subsequently had been deliberated at the National Movement for Social Justice last year and publicized as follows :-

PROPOSALFORA25 PORTFOLIO CABINET OF MINISTERS

1. Defence.

2. Foreign Affairs.

3. National Unity.

4. Good Governance, Fraud and Corruption.

5. Public Administration.

6. National Planning, Finance, External Resources and Economic Affairs.

7. Regional Development, Basin Development, Local Government and Poverty Alleviation. 8. Public Security, Law & Order. 9. Parliamentary Affairs, Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

10. Environment & Infrastructure Development.

11. Transport.

12. Urban Development, Housing & Construction, Disaster Management, Reconstruction & Rehabilitation.

13. Power & Energy.

14. Information, Media & Communication.

15. Natural Resources, Earth Sciences, Industries, Science & Technology.

16. Land, Forestry, Wild Life, Territorial Waters & Extended Economic Zone.

17. Irrigation, Water Supply, Water Management & Drainage.

18. Food, Agriculture, Plantations, Livestock & Fisheries.

19. Trade, Commerce, Consumer Affairs & Co-operatives.

20. Education & Human Resource Development.

21. Health.

22. Human Resource Planning & Environment.

23. Heritage, Culture & Tourism.

24. Children, Women, Elders, Disabled, Family, Welfare & Social Services.

25. Youth Affairs & Sports

These divisions are very similar to those prevailing in neighbouring India, the South Asian region and many other countries in the developed world.

However, in the event through the provisions of the 19th Amendment for a National Government, the number of Ministries may not be critical, but for effectiveness of coordination of the subject areas under each portfolio listed above, it would be most essential to have at least a competent person in the rank of a Senior Minister to coordinate each of the subject groups.

Meritocracy has deep meaning in more than one way as “eye openers” when a current candidate has openly expressed that individuals are now seen better through these elections this year. Perhaps they are seen as Statesmen, Politicians or Opportunists and it is here that the voters too will have to have their eyes fully open as they vote!

As a finality on the activity of a Cabinet which would display its affectivity though MERITOCRACY where the main objectivity should be honesty and integrity, coupled with humility, creativity and credibility, in order to have validity, productivity and prosperity to the country, without the citizens facing undue austerity, should be the reality of such an entity and these facts are placed for posterity !

The author is currently the Chancellor, University of Vocational Technology, former Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa and of Open University of Sri Lanka, Past President of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, former Chairman, of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and Chairman, Institute of Construction Training and Development

(ICTAD).