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Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, a prominent taxonomist and former senior state official, has emphasized that Sri Lanka’s fiscal deficit, currently at Rs 2.4 trillion, cannot be solved through taxation alone. He advocates for a more conservative economic approach that focuses on efficiency, cost-cutting, and governance reforms rather than large-scale, flashy reforms. Pethiyagoda highlights the success of existing public service improvements, such as same-day passport and NIC issuance, as examples of what can be achieved through clear, measurable goals. By streamlining public services and making institutions more accountable, he believes the government can make incremental yet transformative adjustments.
Additionally, Pethiyagoda calls for improving public discipline, which he argues will lead to broader societal changes. Simple improvements in how citizens interact with government services, such as reducing waiting times and increasing service speed, can foster a culture of efficiency and trust. These small, incremental changes ranging from enhancing institutional efficiency to promoting orderly public behavior are seen as the foundation for long-term economic recovery and societal progress. By focusing on these tangible improvements, Sri Lanka can gradually close its fiscal gap and create a more transparent and disciplined society.
