Meritocracy and competency: Lessons for Sri Lanka from Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore

Sri Lanka, a nation blessed with abundant natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient populace, stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory.

- By Maj. Gen. Dr. Boniface Perera

As it navigates the complexities of economic recovery, social cohesion, and sustained growth, the quality of its leadership, particularly in higher positions within the public and private sectors, becomes paramount. In this pursuit of national progress, there are profound and invaluable lessons to be drawn from the remarkable transformation of Singapore under the visionary leadership of its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Central to Singapore’s meteoric rise from a nascent, resource-poor island nation to a global economic powerhouse was an unwavering commitment to meritocracy and competency in all appointments, a principle that Sri Lanka could profoundly benefit from emulating.

Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore was built on the bedrock of pragmatism and an unyielding belief in human capital. He understood, with crystal clarity, that a small nation with no natural resources had only its people to rely upon. To maximize this singular asset, every individual, particularly those entrusted with significant responsibility, had to be the best and brightest, selected solely on their ability, integrity, and dedication. This philosophy was not merely an abstract ideal; it was meticulously woven into the fabric of the nation’s governance, education system, and public service.

For Sri Lanka, the immediate and most impactful lesson lies in adopting a rigorously meritocratic approach to appointments in all echelons of power. Historically, and in many contemporary contexts, appointments in Sri Lanka have often been influenced by patronage, political affiliations, family ties, or even ethnicity. While a degree of political loyalty is inherent in any democratic system, when it supersedes competence and integrity, the nation inevitably suffers. The consequences are manifold: inefficient governance, corruption, policy paralysis, and a brain drain of talented individuals who see little opportunity for advancement based on their true worth.