A Bedgar Perera in SUNDAY ISLAND, 20 February 2026: “WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MOVE TOWARDS A “ CIVILISATIONAL TURN” BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH THE CHANGE OF ADMINISTRATION ?”
Now that the new administration has completed one year in office and is well into its second year, I thought it is opportune to follow-up my letter titled ”A move towards a ‘CIVILISATIONAL TURN’ brought about by the change of administration“, published in the Sunday Island of February 23, 2025.
Looking back with an open mind for any changes in the political culture, one can easily see that changes did commence and politicians in power do not in general seem to be above the law as much as before. It is evident that the law enforcement agencies mostly function without political interference with a number of key politicians from the earlier regime already behind bars upon conviction by courts for various misdeeds.
We do not see any more the processions of security vehicles escorting motorcades carrying politicos in power, much to the inconvenience of the traveling public, sometimes even with key roads closed to other traffic.
Also, the government has brought in legislation to remove privileges (like government residences) allowed by law to those who have completed presidential terms leaving only security formally deemed essential for them in accordance with a pre-election promise. Pension payments to MPs, (including benefits to widows/orphans) with just a minimum five years of parliamentary service has been abolished.
Moreover, the government is firmly committed to completely eradicate the narcotics menace which has spread its tentacles island-wide targeting mainly youth. Drug trafficking, as is well know, has long enjoyed political patronage. A crackdown on drugs is essential for the intended ‘civilisational turn’ to be successful, But the steadfast commitment of the leadership alone is insufficient for this. It requires the cooperation of all relevant officials and each and every member of the general public. The president has already sought such cooperation.
With regard to the administrative culture, it seems that strike threats in the state sector are being fairly handled with a firm hand. The postal strike that dragged on sometime back, the then threatened CEB strike and the recent tactful solution by the President, of the hunger strike launched by the Development Officers (in schools) clamouring for government teaching posts are cases in point.
Public disgust about strikes and threats of strikes has long been evident. People have for too long been held hostage by strikers. Government medical officers are once again making strike threats over many demands and also not prescribing drugs not available in government hospitals for purchase from outside. It remains to be seen how the administration will tackle these issues.
We are in the seventh year since the Easter tragedy of 2019 which remains unsolved. This is dragging on far too long even under the new administration and calls for positive action in keeping with the pre-election promises made to the people and the Catholic Church.
Also, high profile allegations and related cases involving murder, disappearances, corruption, money laundering, dishonesty etc. particularly against the members of a former first family, some dating far back as 2005/2006, still remain pending. This is perhaps due to manipulation over the years. This must now change and whoever is guilty must face the full force of the law without delay.
The earlier public perception was that the new administration is free of corruption at the higher levels, unlike the previous governments. However, with the passage of time, there appears to be some slippage with allegations of corruption coming up. This was quite appropriately pointed out by the Sunday Island editorial of February 1, 2026, titled “Thriving corruption and delayed probes” where allegations of large scale corruption against the current regime were cited.
Among these was the import of a large stock of substandard coal of low calorific value. Government interference with the tender procedure to facilitate the registration of the company supplying the low quality coal was alleged and the delay in launching an immediate probe has been highlighted.
The next allegation referred to in the above editorial is the green channeling (without inspection) of 423 red-flagged freight containers from the Colombo Port, in January 2025 not long after the current administration took office. The suspicion is that the cleared cargo may have included narcotics and lethal weapons.
A Parliamentary Select Committee has been appointed to probe the above. In this instance, it is relevant to point out that while in opposition, the JVP/NPP held the chair of COPE (Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises) and for transparency purposes its sittings were quite rightly open to the media so the public could freely follow what was going on. It is understood that the new COPE, on the insistence of the government, will not be open to the media. This is a clear case, where an attitudinal change on the part of the current rulers is evident.
Another case of suspected corruption involving a solar power tender award has also come up recently. These corruption allegations are fresh developments as far as the NPP is concerned and they are black marks against that party.
Also, there are instances where some ministers and MPs exhibit resentment of criticism and make unwanted and controversial public statements. This does not augur well for the intended move towards a civilisational turn. The government must realize that it is now very much in the public eye with regard to all its actions and utterances.
One and a half years of its five-year term is gone and the incumbents must face an election in three and a half years. Time is flying and the government will be soon judged by the electorate on its achievements and delivery on promises made.
It is not too late for all concerned to get their act together and do better with early mid-course corrections while fully supporting the president who seems to be doing his best trying to keep his team together
Talking in palanquin; Walking on foot