Charitha defends Govt. officials against Handunneththi’s criticisms

Monday, 30 December 2024 02:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Calls for constructive approach, emphasising need for systemic reform rather than blaming public officials
Stresses role of Govt. officials to operate within framework of laws, regulations, and policies in place
Claims when officials highlight contradictions between Govt. directives and existing laws or policies, they are pointing out administrative constraints
Says addressing this requires legislative and executive action, including revising outdated laws, amending regulations

Prof. Charitha Herath

Sunil Handunneththi

Former MP Prof. Charitha Herath has weighed in on recent comments made by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, who accused public sector officials of obstructing the Government’s efforts by clinging to outdated systems.

Herath called for a more constructive approach, emphasising the need for systemic reform rather than blaming public officials.

Minister Handunneththi, speaking at a program held in Colombo recently, expressed frustration over the challenges faced in implementing Government policies, alleging that some public officials continue to operate within a “corrupt old system.”

He claimed this resistance hindered efforts to provide relief to the people, protect their rights, and support local industries. Handunneththi further noted that his current struggle lies with the Ministry of Finance, particularly over issues like tax policies, which he said fail to align with the new Government’s vision.

In response, Herath took to social media platform ‘X’ to defend the role of public officials. “It is not correct to view public officials as adversaries of the Government. Their role is to operate within the framework of the laws, regulations, and policies in place,” Herath said.

Herath clarified that when officials highlight contradictions between the Government’s directives and existing laws or policies, they are not obstructing but pointing out administrative constraints. He stressed that addressing such issues requires legislative and executive action, including revising outdated laws, amending regulations, and ensuring Cabinet decisions align with the Government’s vision.

“This requires action in Parliament and at the Cabinet level, not mere criticism of public officials,” he noted.

“Dismissing officials as obstacles undermines their professionalism and does nothing to enhance the Government’s effectiveness,” Herath added, urging the Government to prioritise collaboration and systemic reforms over criticism.