By Sarath Obeysekera

There was a time when Norway was a modest fishing nation at the edge of Europe—cold, remote, and largely dependent on the sea. Today, Norway stands as one of the most prosperous, disciplined, and forward-thinking societies in the world.

Sri Lanka, by contrast, sits in the Indian Ocean with strategic advantages Norway never had—warm waters, global shipping lanes, fertile land, and a proud civilization. Yet, we struggle.

The convenient explanation is that Norway was lucky” to discover oil in the North Sea. But luck alone does not build a nation. Many countries have discovered oil and descended into corruption, conflict, and economic ruin. Norway made a different choice.

When oil was discovered, Norway did not rush into reckless spending. It built institutions. It created the Government Pension Fund Global—arguably the most disciplined sovereign wealth fund in the world—ensuring that oil wealth would benefit future generations, not just current politicians.

Norway taxed its resources wisely, enforced transparency, and insisted on accountability. It did not allow political patronage to swallow national wealth. It trusted systems—not personalities.

Sri Lanka’s problem is not lack of resources. It is lack of discipline in managing them.

I had the privilege of living and working in Norway. I saw firsthand a society where systems function, where rules are respected, and where public officials understand that they are custodians—not owners—of national wealth.

Inspired by that experience, I returned home, determined to contribute. I tried to introduce structured thinking, accountability, and long-term planning into our institutions. But too often, ideas are ignored, systems are resisted, and reform is suffocated by short-term political thinking.

We do not lack intellectuals. We lack the willingness to listen to them.

We do not lack opportunities. We lack the courage to act on them.

Take our maritime sector. Sri Lanka sits astride one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. We could have built a marine and offshore hub rivaling global centers. We could have developed Trincomalee into an energy and logistics powerhouse. Instead, we debate, delay, and dilute.

Norway did not become Norway because it was perfect. It became Norway because it made hard decisions early—and stuck to them.

Sri Lanka, unfortunately, has perfected the art of avoiding hard decisions.

If we are serious about progress, we must adopt a few non-negotiable principles:

• National resources must be managed transparently and professionally
• Political interference in economic institutions must be minimized
• Long-term planning must replace short-term populism
• Merit must replace patronage

Most importantly, we must cultivate a culture that respects systems over individuals.

This is not about copying Norway. It is about learning from it.

I could have stayed in Norway and enjoyed the benefits of a well-managed society. Instead, I returned, believing that Sri Lanka too could rise with the right leadership and discipline.

That belief still remains—but it is being tested.

Sri Lanka does not need sympathy. It needs honesty.

And perhaps, a little courage.and endurance