Things Cabinet members need to think on

Following the recent Cabinet reshuffle, resulting in a broader-based government, public expectations are high that we would have from now on, result - oriented, responsible governance. Our Cabinet is packed with talent and experience and we do hope concrete progress would be seen on every conceivable front.

However, good governance needs to be premised on a strong sense of collective responsibility and a determination for united governance on the part of the country's Cabinet. We need hardly say that a Cabinet at cross-purposes would not result in effective governance because progress is the result of united and purposeful thought and action by those holding high public office.

Therefore, we call for a strong sense of collective responsibility by our Cabinet because delays and a diminishing of pace in the implementation of the Government's work programme could result in an impairing of the development process.

Accordingly, we call on all members of the Cabinet to pay close heed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa's recent request for firmer collective action and unity of purpose.

It is indeed highly irregular for Ministers to voice or indicate their consent to Cabinet changes - for example - at the relevant public fora and to criticize the changes in question outside these official gatherings.

The ideal course would be to take up these issues directly with the decision-makers concerned rather than voice one's disgruntlement outside the relevant fora, in the wider public. The latter conduct is highly violative of the norms of responsible governance.

That said, we wish to reiterate the point that national development is the need of the hour. All would be lost if this objective is not focused on by those endowed with high public office. Public office and governmental titles are only a means to an end, which is national development. Therefore, this worthy end must be achieved without any backsliding or delays.

Those enjoying Cabinet office need to constantly remember that the public eye is on them. Their conduct is keenly scrutinized by the people who usually cannot be hoodwinked.

The people could be relied on to be scathingly condemnatory of those who enjoy public plums but neglect their duties by the country. Therefore, public service is what is expected of our Ministers and we hope they would lose no time in meeting this worthy aspiration of the people.

The Government could be said to be greatly strengthened by the presence in the Cabinet of some prominent UNP politicians. The possibility is great of progressing on a number of fronts.

However, cross-overs should not be prompted by power and fame considerations. Public service should be the prime consideration and we hope this would be borne in mind by those joining the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration.

It is highly laudable for members of the Opposition to join the Government out of the need to serve the people. There couldn't be a better reason to join the administration.

However, they should not cross-over with the aim of enjoying the plums and perks of office.

This is an expectation which should never be nurtured by these politicians because this would amount to being dishonest. Nor could they take it for granted that positions would be there just for the asking. Think on these things, we urge our politicians.

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