October 17, Colombo (LNW): At the 45th National Conference of Chartered Accountants in Colombo, three former Sri Lankan Presidents—Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena, and Ranil Wickremesinghe—came together to discuss the country’s political landscape.
The event, held on the 16th of October, provided a unique platform for the former leaders to reflect on governance and share advice for the nation’s future.
Maithripala Sirisena took the opportunity to speak about integrity within government, stressing that progress requires more than just a capable leader.
“A country cannot advance solely because its ruler is honest,” he noted, emphasising that the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and other officials must also operate free from corruption.
He also expressed frustration with the narrative that the country has been corrupt for decades, urging people to consider the broader role of society in fostering change.
Sirisena went on to highlight that politicians and civil servants alike should receive proper training to serve the nation effectively, while also pointing out the public’s responsibility to support clean governance.
Turning to a more light-hearted note, Sirisena offered an optimistic perspective for the future, jokingly suggesting that perhaps one day a Chartered Accountant might ascend to the presidency.
He used the opportunity to underline the need for citizen involvement in building a stronger country, particularly during elections, where integrity often gets overshadowed by vote-buying practices.
Ranil Wickremesinghe focused on the parallels between corporate and political leadership, using the late Mr. Panditaratne as an example. Wickremesinghe observed that, while corporate leaders and politicians may share certain skills, the roles are inherently different, highlighting how leadership in business doesn’t always translate to political success.
“Steve Jobs would never have been President of the United States,” he remarked, contrasting this with Donald Trump’s ability to make the leap from business to politics.
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga underscored the importance of capable, educated individuals entering politics. She expressed hope for a new generation of leaders, even though she no longer participates directly in the political arena.
Her remarks reinforced the need for structural changes in how leadership is nurtured and encouraged in the country.
When the subject of corruption in ministries was raised, Sirisena candidly addressed the issue, pointing out that corrupt practices within the government often extend beyond just politicians.
“There are educated people who steal,” he stated, explaining that corruption frequently involves ministry secretaries and other senior officials, creating a network of complicity.
Finally, when asked about his controversial decision to appoint Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister during the “Good Governance” government, Sirisena responded with a touch of humour. He suggested that anyone curious about the details could ask him privately but took full responsibility for his choices, acknowledging that leadership often involves making difficult and divisive decisions.
The gathering offered a rare and insightful glimpse into the thoughts of three former leaders, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives to the conversation, while addressing the pressing challenges facing Sri Lanka today.
