Grama Niladari wins plaudits for excellence:

Public service with a feminine touch

Ruwini Jayawardana

The office room

Going past Kirulapone along the High Level Road one would never guess that the simple and charming cottage-like construction amidst the hurly burly roadway is a Grama Niladari residence.

The neatly trimmed lawn and the well-kept environment of the office speak of a feminine touch and reflect the energetic personality of the woman who is seated behind the desk.

Dayaranjani Wijesinghe is a far cry from your typical image of the Grama Niladari officer. She was born in Matara to a family of eight. Her parents H. P. Premadasa and W.A. Somawathi were farmers. She is a product of Tangalle Maha Vidyalaya and Bandaranaike Maha Vidyalaya, Matara, where she followed her Advanced Level examination in the Commerce stream.

"I sent many applications for Government jobs and was finally called in for a post after sitting an exam conducted by the Ministry of Public Administration in 1992. Everybody was striving to get a job in the Government sector. My parents were thrilled that I got through," she explained adding that only those who had topped the list were called in for training.

"I took up the post officially on October 18, 1993, after a three-month training session. I began the profession cooped up in a small space at a temple together with the Kirulapone Grama Niladari officer. Later, I moved to a small residence at Stafford Road for five years before taking up work here," said the hard-working Grama Niladari officer of the Pamankada region.

The well-arranged pots and bins

What arrests the attention of villagers who visit Wijesinghe's office is the feminine touch. The spick and spank miniature office room, the well tended garden and neatly stacked files reflect her orderliness and commitment towards the profession.

She says, "Minister Milinda Moragoda spotted my difficulties and constructed the building in 2003. I serve over 2,500 families in my division. I have followed a Tamil Language Diploma course so I could interact with the Tamil people in my area."

Focusing on the public attitude towards a female Grama Niladari officer she says that the people like cooperating with her.

"Most people believe that women are dedicated to whatever they take on and that it is very easy to work with them. They have more self respect and compassion though they can be quite stern at times," said Wijesinghe who is also a great believer of environment-friendly tactics.

"A little bit of nature is like a fresh breeze amidst the hustle and bustle. People are drawn to a pleasant environment. The National Savings Bank helps in maintaining a section of the garden area." With nearly 17 years in the field, Wijesinghe said she has encountered many extraordinary incidents on the job.

"We have conducted many Shramadana campaigns, road construction projects, home gardening activities and Dengue eradication programs for the people. One of my main missions is to maintain the office premises. Our District Secretary G.A.J. Sylvester has been very supportive in this aspect. One of the highlights of my career and life is the day this office was opened to the public," she reminisced with a smile.

Even if she is not in her office she maintains a book so that villagers would be able to report their troubles to her during her absence. One of the first things she looks up are these records to note which incidents need her urgent attention. A duty conscious woman at heart, Wijesinghe had been felicitated by officials as well as the people in her area for her invaluable service.

She had clinched the Award for Productivity given by the Divisional Secretariat in 2008 having being placed first in the Colombo District. She has also been ranked first place in the Divisional Secretariat - Thimbirigasyaya in 2008.

In addition Wijesinghe was also presented with an award by Vanitha Saviya. She was featured on the popular women's television program Sarathi last year.

Wijesinghe’s neat and tidy office garden. Pictures by Saman Sri Wedage

Armed with the spirit to face challenges, Wijesinghe says her profession is not limited to a set time frame.

"Anyone can contact me through my mobile. You never know when misfortune strikes and you would need to seek help from others.

"We should never take the public out for a ride because time and money are precious. We are appointed to serve the public," stressed the high-spirited woman who had spearheaded many projects under her supervision.

"I have started a Daham Pasala in the area. I take part in organizing some of the religious and traditional activities and social welfare activities. We have conducted several activities under the Api Wawamu, Rata Nagamu and Gama Neguma programs. We even managed to reconstruct the Jayasinghe Road," she noted.

She is grateful to Assistant Divisional Secretary M.M. Alif, Additional Government Agent Y.K. Jeewamala, and the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretary and the team for their support.

She is following an external degree at the Jayawardhanapura University.

Her goal is to change the stereotype image of the Grama Niladari officer. She says that it is only a few individuals who give the profession a bad name. Though many who know her had changes their attitude she strives to set herself as an example to the whole island.