Power Must Serve Public Interest - Not Private Gain - Deputy Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, outlined the philosophical and structural direction of Sri Lanka’s newly formed government, emphasizing a public-interest-first approach and a technology-driven future.

Acknowledging public skepticism, Dr. Fernando admitted that the new administration may appear similar to its predecessor in terms of structure and routine governance tasks, such as budget planning. 

However, he asserted that the core difference lies in the government’s mandate: to uphold the public interest above all else.

“A government is a key mechanism of vesting the powers of the general public in the hands of very few,” he said. “When that happens, there is a greater risk that those powers could be misused to serve private interests.” 

Drawing from past experiences, he warned against the tendency to maximize personal utility at the expense of societal and environmental well-being.

Dr. Fernando guaranteed that such misuse of power would not occur under the current administration. “How can I give that guarantee? Because of our political ideology, our commitment, and the way we have been engaging in this political movement,” he stated.

But the Deputy Minister was clear that transforming society into a dignified, peaceful, and harmonious space is not the government’s responsibility alone. 

“It is everyone’s task,” he said, calling on citizens, professionals, and sectors across the country to actively participate in the nation-building process.

A key pillar of this transformation, according to Dr. Fernando, is technology. He highlighted the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for the Digital Economy as a strategic move to prioritize digital innovation. “Technology should be given first priority,” he said, emphasizing that future engagement with the government will be based on professional merit, not political affiliation or personal connections.

“You need not have any political affiliation with the government,” he assured. “As long as you can be a part of the profession or sector, we will provide all the facilities and enhance the environment in which everyone can do better.”

“Be active. The government has lots of avenues for you to engage in the future. We may find new avenues of joining the government,” he added.