Compiled by Savithri Rodrigo

MERITOCRACY IS ESSENTIAL

Kaveetha Jayawardana encourages greater respect for young emerging talent

Q: What are the challenges facing Sri Lanka today?

A: There are many socioeconomic challenges including ethnic concerns facing the country at present. Many of those living in Sri Lanka differentiate themselves on the basis of ethnicity and religion, which doesn’t augur well for a developing nation.

In addition, there’s a persistence of inequality primarily due to income disparities. Sri Lanka is also facing growing external debt, a lack of foreign direct investments (FDI), an inefficient public sector with a negative attitude, and environmental, political and technological challenges.

Q: What changes do you observe in the context of nation building and reconciliation?

A: There have been visible changes including the reduction of unnecessary government expenditure, lower taxes, efforts to build stronger bonds among ethnic groups and environmental sustainability.

The curtailment of government expenditure is a measure taken to uplift the living standards of citizens. Tax reductions indirectly impact economic growth and living standards, while the celebration of ethnic and religious activities around the country builds unity.

Waste management, recycling, and the implementation of rules and regulations for better environmental management also help nation building.


Q: Have there been changes in the spheres of education and environmental sustainability?

A: The introduction of new educational technology such as smart classrooms, a transformation from teacher centric to student centred education systems, and a focus on soft skills development including communication and listening skills – in addition to the hard skills of knowledge gathering through writing and reading – are visible changes.

Additionally, there are prospects for higher education through scholarships in foreign countries, and opportunities to study at private and local universities, which are changes that I have observed in education.

Similarly, in terms of environmental sustainability, the introduction of eco-friendly goods and services, businesses embracing green concepts, and the government being more environmentally concerned – and thus introducing rules and regulations – are positive measures.

Q: How can Sri Lanka retain the talent it has?

A: By creating adequate employment opportunities, the government can retain the diverse talent Sri Lanka possesses. It is due to a lack of opportunity that people migrate to countries that value their talent.

Priority should be given to those who are talented and qualified in specific fields, and not based on political favours, which seems to be the norm these days. Meritocracy is the criterion that would help retain the abundance of talent in Sri Lanka.

Q: Do we have young leaders who can take the country forward?

A: Yes, the younger generation has the potential to lead. However, there is no strong platform for these young emerging leaders to develop and improve in their various fields, which compels them to migrate – and our country loses out on their immense potential.

Leaders must possess perseverance, innovation and a positive attitude to change, and respect Sri Lankan culture. At present, there is resistance to change, which is not accepted positively.

Q: What are your expectations of the world and its people?

A: My expectation is for the world to be a better place for humans, animals and plants, where everyone has an opportunity, to live and thrive. Gender, religion, race and culture should not divide people but be equalisers instead.

Presently, people cannot live and thrive in unity because gender, religion, race and culture get in the way – and they indirectly affect world peace, resulting in wars and disunity among people and countries.

Q: Do the present leaders live up to your expectations?

A: Not at all. Present leaders lack concern for most matters including climate change. They have ignored the impact of their actions on the environment, which leads to the spread of disease, new disease strains, hunger, poverty and destruction of valuable natural resources.

Leaders must act more responsibly and should consider each life as being valuable in uplifting the standard of living of their people.

Q: Who is responsible for climate change and what must be done about it?

A: We’re all equally responsible because we contribute to it. For instance, the use of polythene and harmful chemicals can be minimised if people are guided by forward-thinking leadership.

The world must acknowledge how crucial the impacts are – and it is important for countries to unite in protecting Mother Nature.

Priority should be given to those who are talented and qualified in specific fields, and not based on political favours