‘Shut Stable Door After Horse Has Bolted, Had Kids, Remarried And Opened Own Stable': Govt’s Special Problem Solving Approach

Successive governments of Sri Lanka have been discovered to operate a secret department which directs overall problem solving named ‘getting to the station once the train leaves’.

One member of the department, speaking on the condition of anonymity said, “Not just years, but for decades, this department’s approach to problem-solving is the one that successive governments of all parties have used to guide their decision making. The process generally involves members of the public raising a concern and then government officials ignoring it or their preferred ‘all talk no action’ method to pay scant regard. Following this, an investigation is carried out into how much in commissions and bribes can be generated by implementing a solution. Once the number is attractive enough, the Government promises an unrealistic timeline for the said solution and then, if ever implemented, does not maintain it. A further tender for maintenance is issued, from which more bribes can be sought. All this happens while politicians drive around in fancy cars blaming the previous regime for inaction. ”

“For example, it is clear that there is significant population growth and urbanisation happening in this country, but no government actually thinks about the implication of these in terms of infrastructure and other public services until it is too late. They then use a ‘put a plaster on a broken leg’ solution and hold multiple press conferences to say they are doing something, at which point the plaster comes lose and they try using super glue to keep it on the skin” he added.