By Special Contributor

Sri Lanka stands on the brink of transformation. A newly elected government has vowed to root out corruption, favouritism, and wasteful governance. These commitments have kindled hope for a more just and accountable state. Yet, while political will is necessary, it alone cannot secure the nation’s renewal. For real and lasting change, the unwavering commitment of the civil service is indispensable.

A New Political Mandate, a Familiar Challenge

The political winds have shifted. From high-level appointments to legal actions against past misconduct, a more principled approach to governance appears to be taking root. Encouragingly, this reformist zeal is being channelled through the proper legal frameworks, avoiding the trap of political retribution.

But the machinery of government does not rest solely in Parliament. True reform lives or dies in the offices of ministry secretaries, regional administrators, and the countless public officials who carry the weight of the state’s day-to-day functioning. Without their full engagement, even the most ambitious national plans will struggle to reach the people they aim to serve.

The Role of the Civil Service: Between Skepticism and Responsibility

Many civil servants continue to perform their duties with quiet excellence. However, the wider institutional response has been mixed. There is hesitancy in some quarters—a wait-and-see approach shaped by decades of political churn and unfulfilled promises. Understandably, career officials have become cautious, having seen reforms launched with fanfare only to fizzle out with the next electoral cycle.

Furthermore, civil servants rightly value institutional integrity and are wary of excessive political interference. Their concerns are not without merit. But there is a difference between skepticism and disengagement. The moment calls for vigilance and action.

Time for Active, Principled Leadership

Now more than ever, Sri Lanka needs its civil servants to be more than implementers—they must be reformers in their own right. Here’s how they can help steer the country toward lasting progress:

• Lead with transparency. Make openness the default in all administrative processes.
• Cut red tape that feeds corruption. Where outdated procedures hinder efficiency, advocate for change.
• Uphold meritocracy. Ensure appointments and promotions are based solely on qualifications and performance.
• Stand up to undue influence. Record and report inappropriate requests to sidestep rules or bend procedures.
• Foster inter-agency cooperation. Government services improve when departments work together, not in isolation.

A Collective Endeavour

National renewal is not a solo act—it is a collective mission. Politicians can set the tone, but civil servants must carry the tune. Your institutional experience, policy knowledge, and operational insight are vital for embedding reforms that outlive any administration.

To the many public officers already working quietly and persistently for a better future: your contribution matters deeply. You are the unseen scaffolding of our national rebuilding effort.

To others still unsure of their place in this moment: reflect not only on your responsibilities, but on the legacy you will leave. Will you have helped shape a fairer, more effective public service? Or will you have watched passively as yet another opportunity for reform passed us by?

A Defining Moment

The road ahead will be uneven. Setbacks are inevitable. But this moment—this fragile but powerful window for renewal—is too precious to waste on doubt or detachment.

Sri Lanka deserves a public service that reflects the best of its people: principled, committed, and courageous. The decision rests not in speeches or manifestos, but in the daily actions of those who serve.

The question remains: when this chapter is written, what role will you have played?