We need new vision and new energy to rebuild the nation.

Many ministries in our country are not formed to the needs of the country. Instead, they are set up to meet the needs of each politician. That is why ministers classify ministries as; good ministries and useless ministries. The good ministries here are not those who work for the country, but those ministries that can provide employment for their relatives and political aides, including their children and grandchildren. Accordingly, ministries become party offices and become a burden to the country.

The divisions of a ministry are divided into seven or eight divisions, as many are to be given ministerial posts. Then each of those ministries must hire and maintain a large staff, including a secretary. Not only that, but millions of public monies are being wasted on the minister and staff there.

It is customary in our country to change ministers from time to time just like changing a pillow for a headache. An example of how many times the cabinet appointed in 2020 has been reshuffled. A cabinet minister has been replaced three times during this short period. A cabinet minister was able to sit in the cabinet for only two days. If a minister does not have the space or opportunity to know his purpose, he should be asked if he can accomplish the task that the ministry expects.

It is very clear that even if ministers are appointed in certain ministries, they do not show any progress. Gamini Dissanayake was appointed Minister of Mahaweli. The Minister was given a clear goal. Thus, the 30-year-old Mahawali was completed in six years, thereby developing the country's agriculture and electricity sector. It is impossible to find a minister who has done so well in recent times.

The Railway Department and the Sri Lanka Transport Board, which are owned by the Ministry of Transport, are still in a state of disrepair. These institutions are maintained by the public treasury. Some of the employees of these companies are ineligible for appointments to political allies. That means reporting for work and leaving immediately for other jobs. At least the ministers were not able to control the situation and make those companies effective.

A similar situation is seen in institutions such as the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ports Authority. These institutions are run at a loss. A Minister should have a creative vision to transform loss-making state institutions into profit-making ones and promote them to an efficient level. But such creativity cannot be expected from those who have turned politics into a task.

The country is in a serious situation. The country cannot be restored by simple reforms. Nor can this country be saved from this catastrophe by working in the old tradition and by the traditional rhythm and familiar journey that has come. What is needed is a new eye. A new vision. A new energy. Everything that is being said and done now should instill confidence in the people. If the confidence of the people is not built up, all efforts will predictably be wasted like a ladder cut into the river. People need to be convinced that a new journey is going on, especially with a new program. Accordingly, it is necessary to look at the needs of the country and ensure that ministries are established, and competent ministers are appointed for that purpose.