Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Vidyarathna, said that bureaucratic inefficiency and institutional inertia are slowing down the reform agenda of the National People’s Power (NPP) government.
In an interview with Daily Mirror, he defended the government’s long-term vision for structural change.
Acknowledging that dismantling a governance model entrenched for over seven decades is no easy task, he recognized delays in public service delivery, entrenched corruption, and lack of discipline among some officials. “We don’t blame all public servants. But some are corrupt and inefficient,” he said.
He admitted that some bureaucrats delay approvals with the expectation of kickbacks. “Yes, it happens. We’ve already removed some officials—even ones appointed by us,” he revealed.
Addressing concerns over red tape, he admitted investors are often required to obtain approvals from up to 30 agencies, leading to long delays. “We are simplifying these processes through digitisation and future legal amendments,” he assured.
The Minister defended the decision to scrap certain pre-existing investment deals, such as the controversial Adani energy project, claiming the government seeks only “transparent, beneficial” investment.
While the $3.7 billion Sinopec project is yet to materialise fully, Vidyarathna expressed confidence in attracting up to $8 billion in investment over the next two years, including from Colombo Port City, and in reaching a tourist target of 3 million arrivals this year.
Vidyarathna also countered criticism that the NPP government is overly focused on punishing past corruption rather than creating fail-safe systems. “We aim to close those loopholes through digital governance. It’s a process, and it takes time.”
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