December 28, Colombo (LNW): Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha has issued a stern warning to corrupt government officials, asserting that he holds a list of individuals implicated in malpractice, including allegations of concealing important documents and misappropriating public funds.
Speaking at a meeting two days ago (26), the Minister addressed growing concerns about corruption and inefficiency within the public service.
Lalkantha’s remarks followed a public day held by the Ministry of Lands and Irrigation, where a significant number of grievances were raised.
The Minister revealed that around 50 per cent of the complaints filed pointed directly to the actions of government officials, citing inefficiency and corruption as the primary reasons behind the public dissatisfaction.
The Minister warned that just as the public had recently taken a stand against bad politics, a similar movement could soon emerge to tackle corruption within the public sector.
He hinted at his readiness to spearhead such reforms, emphasising that the public service must be held accountable and that necessary changes would be made to restore faith in the system.
In his speech, Lalkantha also highlighted the dire state of public resources, referencing the severe limitations faced by key state institutions.
One example he pointed out was the Paddy Marketing Board, which he claimed only has a single lorry to serve the entire nation.
Such inefficiencies, according to the Minister, are symptomatic of broader issues plaguing the public sector and hindering progress.
Reflecting on his own personal adjustments, Minister Lalkantha reiterated his commitment to leading by example.
He spoke of his decision to adopt a simpler lifestyle, mentioning that he now dresses modestly, uses 8th-class vehicles, and shuns the extravagance often associated with public office.
His comments served to highlight the importance of public servants aligning their behaviour with the needs of the people they serve.
With the backing of the public, he suggested, significant reforms could soon reshape the way government officials carry out their duties.
