By: Staff Writer

August 11, Colombo (LNW): Novel public administration mechanism with digitalization of official services and modernization of procedures of state institutions is an urgent need in line with the current economic and social requirements of Sri Lanka, former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake emphasized. 

The government has been implementing necessary reforms for effective human resource management in the public service.

He highlighted the need to replace the outdated system of issuing circulars with a new, updated digital system for government decisions, directives, and guidelines.

The current administration is developing IT systems and online platforms to manage human resources efficiently by reengineering processes, thus minimizing unnecessary steps and delays.

President Ranil Wickremasinghe has instructed relevant authorities to introduce reforms to create a future-oriented public administration mechanism through digitization.

The goal is to enhance efficiency, productivity, transparency, accountability, and people-centered decision-making in public service human resource management.

These objectives are expected to be achieved using new public management and digital-government methods. Necessary changes are being implemented to ensure efficient and effective public service delivery and to improve job satisfaction for the 1.4 million public sector employees.

The government’s aim is to streamline public service functions through a modern human resource management system, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and archaic circulars, Mr. Karunanayake stated.

The government is also working to increase transparency in the public service through digitization and the use of IT tools. Introducing simpler work processes in the public service is a priority for the President to create a service that meets future generation needs.

In Sri Lanka, public service delivery is hindered by inadequate systems, low skills, limited competencies, and frequent strike actions.

Employees and their representatives consistently raise concerns about the lack of opportunities to influence pay and service conditions, along with anomalies and inequities in the employment regime.

It is proposed that employees actively engage with their public service employer through consultation and negotiation processes to improve productivity and regulate changes in pay and conditions.

Process reforms, which focus on simplifying and streamlining operational processes to enhance efficiency, have significantly contributed to improving business ease, public service delivery, and removing outdated regulations. These reforms, although often involving minor changes, can have a substantial impact.

A major issue in Sri Lanka is the lack of skill development. There is a misconception that public sector modernization solely involves introducing new technology.

However, as seen in other countries, technology alone is not sufficient; staff must be trained to use it. It has also been noted that equipment bought or gifted often remains unused, highlighting a lack of accountability

The Sri Lankan public service currently operates with a mix of traditional and modern methods. The core of its bureaucratic activities, the filing system, primarily depends on extensive paperwork and manual record-keeping.

However, traditionally, the decision-making process in the public service follows a hierarchical, top-down structure, with senior officials wielding significant authority and decisions filtering down through various bureaucratic levels.

This structure often causes delays due to the need for approvals and reviews at each stage. The recent ‘delayering’ initiative aims to streamline this process by ensuring that files pass through no more than four officers in any ministry.

By: Staff Writer

August 11, Colombo (LNW): Ambewela Dairy Farm, a leader in dairy production in Sri Lanka, has embarked on a significant development initiative under the guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Established in 1943 and privatized in 2001, the farm has undergone extensive modernization to become a premier center for advanced dairy production and farm technology in South Asia.

In 2022, Ambewela’s daily milk production was around 40,000 liters. However, with ongoing modernization efforts, the farm is poised to reach a daily production of 52,000 liters by 2024, marking a notable 30% increase.

The farm’s goal is to achieve an annual production capacity of 20 million liters through the development of high-quality dairy cow breeds and the automation of livestock management.

During a recent visit, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need to further enhance milk production and expand output by integrating the latest technologies and state-of-the-art facilities.

This strategy aims to strengthen Ambewela’s role in the national dairy industry. Additionally, the farm has opened its doors to students from Sri Lankan universities, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in advanced dairy farming techniques.

Ambewela Dairy Farm has also become a popular tourist destination, with efforts to improve visitor facilities and offer an enriching experience. On a notable day this year, the farm welcomed 9,000 visitors, highlighting its growing appeal.

Ambewela is renowned for its premium quality dairy products, which are produced with a focus on freshness and quality. The farm follows internationally certified processes to ensure the highest standards.

This includes Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processing, which preserves nutrients while maintaining a six-month shelf life for milk without refrigeration. The farm’s commitment to unadulterated, high-fat content milk sets it apart in the industry.

Ambewela CEO expressed the company’s dedication to uplifting Sri Lanka’s dairy industry and reducing the need for imports by promoting local products. Ambewela remains committed to delivering premium, unadulterated dairy products to consumers, from farm to family.

These initiatives underscore the farm’s commitment to excellence and its role as a leader in the dairy industry. The ongoing support and strategic direction provided by President Wickremesinghe remain crucial in driving the farm’s future success and its contributions to the national economy.

Ambewela delivers unmatched premium quality dairy products with its latest technology and innovation

Ambewela dairy products – manufactured by Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC – is a household name synonymous with freshness and quality.

Another unique factor is that Ambewela milk is never adulterated with milk powder or any other substitutes. The milk is in its purest form and premium with high fat percentages and milk nutrients.

The Friesian and Ayrshires cows at the Ambewela farms are considered the world’s best and the best pedigree siemens are picked for artificial insemination to deliver high quality milk.