Beauty of Good Governance ( Yahapalanaya) ?

As per good governance principles of the United Front Government, Ministers are expected to declare their assets and liabilities plus their conflict of interest when Government contracts are awarded.

Arjun Mahendran, Governor of Central Bank was accused of allowing his son in law to bid Treasury bond, which was finally awarded to his company and Arjun Mahendran sat on the Committee, which determined the final award. Rightly, there was hue and cry in the country by social service organizations, JVP, Joint opposition members of parliament and several public spirited citizens. Followed by this public awareness, Government was forced to order for inquiry in several forums. His continuation as Governor of the Central Bank is hanging in the hands of President and Prime Minister. A decision is yet to be taken. Reputation of Yahapalaya has been badly affected by this incident.

Adding fuel to fire, now it is reported that a Minister of the United Front owned a company. While bidding for Government contracts, Minister’s name reported to have been changed and overall management responsibility placed with the member of his family. Government called bids for rehabilitation of rural roads, cost of which is more than LKR 3.5 billion. The Minister concerned sat on the committee, which decided the final award of the contracts at a cost of LKR 3.6 billion to his company. One Project is a joint venture to rehabilitate 89 kilo meters of rural roads at a cost of over Rs1.81 billion. This sum excludes VAT. The other project is for rehabilitation of 94 kilo meters of rural roads, along with another company, at a cost of over Rs1.81 billion, which too excludes VAT.

It is unfair to blame the good governance Government for isolated act of a few individuals or members of the government or a Minister. But, after it was pointed out through public awareness, steps should be taken by the Government as per good governance principles. If not, they too face the same fate what Mahinda Rajapakshe met.