State employees in SL behave like kings - Korean official

22 December 2022 10:52 am - 69 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary of Sri Lanka's democratic political system and the education system need to be reformed and the mindset of the people changed to see any development in the country, Korea Disaster Relief Foundation (KDRF) President Cho Sung Lea said yesterday.

While addressing a meeting to elaborate on how South Korea became one of the most developed and powerful countries in the world in just 40 years and the way they were willing to help Sri Lanka overcome its current economic downfall, Lea requested the government to start "new village projects."

The meeting was held at the Social Empowerment Ministry yesterday.

“The new village projects are the types of projects that a country should implement from the ground to become a developed country,” he said.

"In South Korea, developing projects were initiated by villages. We used to build all roads so that people could use them efficiently and quickly. The South Korean Government funded to implement of such projects," Mr Lea said.

"If Sri Lanka wants to become a developed country, the thinking pattern of the people should also change. For that, the education system should be changed," he said.

"If the teachers do not change, there is no hope for Sri Lanka. Therefore, first, the thinking patterns of the teachers should be changed before changing the thinking patterns of the people," he said.

“The teachers should know how the children in Sri Lanka are living and what they are experiencing. We do not need better and brand-new buildings for educational purposes. All we need are good teachers," Mr Lea added.

“There should be a reform of State officials. Never think that politicians are the most respectable people in the country. In South Korea, the State officials used to greet every person received at any State institution, But the situation in Sri Lanka is very different," he said.

“The people of a country is sovereign. But in Sri Lanka, State employees behave like kings. Therefore, in that way, Sri Lanka has become a different country," he added. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)

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Comments - 69

Jayampathi Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:02 AM

Public Servants OR Public Kings

Seelan Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:03 AM

100% true

Sambo Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:09 AM

How true Sir. They behave even over that as if the country belongs to them and the public are their foster children.

Silva Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:09 AM

Well said Mr, Cho Sung Lee. We salute you. There was a leader in Sri Lanka as you said but couldn't live long.

Malij Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:10 AM

Bull's eye. Korean official is dead on target. It is not only the politicians. The entire society is corrupted. If we chase the excisting 225

Nihal Jayaweera Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:11 AM

That's the reality .......... and the whole world knows it ...what a shame ........... nj

Punchi Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:11 AM

South Korea with little resources had to develop its people resources to develop. Maybe the large scale conversation to Christianity after the Korean War may have helped. For us to develop our people like the Koreans will result in empowerment of our minorities which we fear and the further destruction of the false belief in our superiority that is evident in the number of damsels leaving to work as maids providing benefits overseas

chux Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:12 AM

Very true not only they behave like this they have taken the entire nation as a ransom

Dharmakulasingham Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:14 AM

Very correct observation by Korean official.Public service in Srilanka is worser than political set up.Best examples are mafia CEB engineers and mega business doctors(not all).Teachers totally failed to produce disciplined students.Simply putting the blame on politicians is not correct.

Clock Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:20 AM

There is lack of accountability in almost every aspects of governance. The people should be the ultimate power but in this country just the oppersite.

Dilakshan Seneviratne Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:22 AM

It is good that a foreigner from a developed country made these comments as Sri Lankans living with an island mentality do not listen even to their countrymen who have lived in developed countries who provide such advice. Political literacy is very poor in SL although general literacy is ok. Only way is education, as there is absolutely no hope in the near term with outdated politicians in power.

Poor citizen Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:27 AM

Politicians take action or you are put on notice. What the Korean official tells is absolute truth, while appreciating a handful of government officials doing work and behaving ethically majority are not worth a cent, thinking they are the gods. Anyone who speak up run the risk of more waiting. Go to a government office in the afternoon , you will see sleeping officials. We as taxpayers should not pay for them to come and sleep in offices, wonder what they are up to in nights. Women are equally bad. Government should seriously consider restructuring government force every five years to show the door to non performing workers. Look at how labourers wearing, polished shoes and business shirts and trousers. Go to Karapitiya hospital, cleaning staff is not working and politicians engage private contractors. Who is paying for this ? Us the tax payers. Crack the whip before the public runs out of patience.

Volker Metzger Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:30 AM

I think Mr. Lea very accurately describes the situation in Sri Lanka and, above all, the behavior of the majority of state officials and politicians, who are completely removed, “detached”, from the everyday world of ordinary people and whose struggle for survival has lost sight of the realities to have !!! They are not kings

Humble Sri Lankan Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:41 AM

South Korea is considered to be the 2nd most Advanced Country in Asia, behind Japan. So, we have a lot to learn from them.

Mizaru Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:43 AM

He is indirectly referring to the President and the 225 in parliament. The way Ranil acts and talks one gets the impression he is in charge or the king. He is a nobody. Democracy need to respected to develop a country.

Murray Maru Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:43 AM

The uniform of top public officials should be changed from the tie to open collar. This includes Doctors, Engineers

Tak Tik Tuk Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:52 AM

This is easy said than done. Changing mindset of SL state employees is almost impossible. Only way is to retire the existing staff and hire new staff with new mind set. And install leaders with innovative ideas and positive thinking.

Shantha Thursday, 22 December 2022 11:53 AM

The problem with Sri Lanka is we were white Christian colony for 450 years but no Christians ruled over South Korea. And after the White Christians left , we are still using their Christian schools to educate our children. Our children still grow up thinking the Whites as superior , so we will never have any progress in our country. As the first step we have to close down the Christian schools and instil pride in our history and culture, and empower the students to think freely as important people on this planet. All other things would follow from this.

Era Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:19 PM

South Korean converted from a Buddhist majority country to a Chrisntian majority country after the American occupation with no protests etc like in Sri Lanka.

Jehan Thursday, 22 December 2022 01:28 PM

@Shantha, This is the uneducated backwards he was talking about, the Christian schools that had the best education on this island, was taken over by Sirimavo Gov in the 60's, The Sinhala buddhist pretend clowns rant the education system, like the nation to the ground, FACTS.

Shera Thursday, 22 December 2022 03:14 PM

Rubbish. Look at Hong Kong, Singapore and India. A British colony for so long yet it was their work ethic that made them the great countries they are now. The Sinhalese Buddhists think they are superior based on their 2000 year old Buddhist culture. This is all they have to show for even today. Look at what they show the tourists. Ancient sites. Buildings and malls in Colombo built by the Chinese. Enjoying upcountry scenic train rides on a railway system built by the Brits and gasping at the tea estates the British introduced to Sri Lanka. The CHRISTIAN countries have set a standard that makes Sri Lankans want to migrate to those countries, and attend Christian schools on the island, dress in western clothing, speak English to keep up with the world etc. Sri Lankans messed up their post-independence opportunity. They are a shame in the world yet too proud and arrogant to admit it. Still using colonization as the excuse of their downfall! Hence, this VVIP had to say it out loud.

D. Silva Wednesday, 28 December 2022 06:08 AM

This article has nothing to do with religion. You seem to be obsessed with blaming people of other religions for your own failures and inferiority complex. I suggest you ask an experienced monk to teach you the basic principles of your own religion and start practicing it properly. Also learn some history. Colonial powers found it easy to get a foothold because of the prevailing disunity in the island and certain rulers inviting them to help fight their rivals.

Radar Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:01 PM

It is indeed correct. These officials sit there in those high places not because of their merit/ capabilities BUT merely on their political clout. Hence they care no one except their stupid political masters.

LankanLover Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:07 PM

Absolutely well said, the state officials think they are kings and can do anything! this has to change. start the development projects from villages!

Volker Metzger Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:15 PM

I think Mr. Lea very accurately describes the situation in Sri Lanka and, above all, the behavior of the majority of state officials and politicians, who are completely removed, “detached”, from the everyday world of ordinary people and whose struggle for survival has lost sight of the realities to have !!! They are not kings

Proudly IndiAn Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:16 PM

Salute to mr.Lea for speaking the truth.. please send some one like you to India also.. the state government officials here behaves like they are son in laws of government. They don't even sit in office. Instead we can find their agents asking money for everything. BTW it's takes lots of courage and honesty to speak and accept the truth. Thankyou.

Anton Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:30 PM

@ Shantha- you are talking poppy cock. Check your intelligence. It’s the former Christian schools that are maintaining discipline, high standards of education, high standard in English the world language - lingua franca, etc. Your idea is trying to make the rich poor to make the poor rich. Seek help from a shrink for your ideas. You must be a sour grape.

KolR Thursday, 22 December 2022 12:47 PM

Totally agree with Mr. Lea, 225 many other thousands of government servants are there to serve the people, they have to be accountable! People should not worship them, specially our President who's there without a mandate !

Vivil rodrigo Thursday, 22 December 2022 01:03 PM

Thanks mate somebody have to tell them off good on you

Ajantha Thursday, 22 December 2022 01:15 PM

@Anton, are you on drugs. Students from Christian schools in Sri Lanka have all started smoking cannabis and drugs . So you never heard about this news from Colombo. Now the so called Christian schools employing special security to check school bags for drugs. The point is Christian schools would never allow our children to have ambitions and become free thinkers. Pride comes from being aware of our history and tradition , Christian schools can never allow this to happen. So we MUST shut the Christian schools there is no other option ! If you are a Christian then pack your bags and go to Australia but there you would feel inferior because of your skin.

Roshan Friday, 23 December 2022 05:23 PM

You even failed to disguise your pseudonym from Shantha to Ajantha talking the same shit. Take some tablets and go to sleep that you can think sensibly.

D. Silva Monday, 26 December 2022 11:59 PM

A valuable insight made by an interested foreign national is lost on bigots like you. I’ve never met anyone in Australia that feels inferior due to skin colour! You’re the only one on this forum that feels inferior due to skin colour and you don’t even know much about your own religion!

Shiran Mendis Thursday, 22 December 2022 01:18 PM

Public Servants have taken an example from the Parliamentarians, most of whom do not have,much of an education.

maha Thursday, 22 December 2022 01:52 PM

very true, accept totally.

What we need is a wake up call ( a kick in the pants) Thursday, 22 December 2022 02:06 PM

He is not talking about changing the mindset of the politicians only. He is talking about changing the mindset of the people (i.e you and me). You don't change a country by changing just a few "chokkas", you change it bottom up, not top down.

CitizenP Thursday, 22 December 2022 02:28 PM

Present day teachers are more interested in private tuition...

Lanka putha Thursday, 22 December 2022 02:33 PM

Sir you are absolutely correct. You could not ask the 2nd question. Snub or ignore you completly. Say that some of them are absolutely helpful. This attitude must change from top to bottom. Thanks for bring this to the public and hope our politicians will make a note.

Vive Thursday, 22 December 2022 02:42 PM

Indian Subcontinent and part of Africa was occupied by Britain Past is past and you can't change the history. You can't blame them after 70 years ,can you ? Singhala only is Anti Srilankan First priority to Buddhism is Anti Srilankan. What have you done except burning

DOT Thursday, 22 December 2022 02:52 PM

Somebody should give them a lesson.

visnu Thursday, 22 December 2022 03:36 PM

Ask him to tell this in Singhala. otherwise these roughs cant understand what is happening outside S.Lanka.

Aquarius Thursday, 22 December 2022 04:08 PM

The Korean official's message is for all of Sri Lanka. It is a fact that our parliament and government institutions are white elephants eating away the tax-payers money. Our so called culture has blocked the minds of our people to think freely. We can keep our Sri Lankan culture and strive to improve our ways of looking at stopping wide-spread corruption and do things better. In the name of culture, we have sold our souls to the devil. South Korea, Singapore

jo Thursday, 22 December 2022 04:41 PM

Kings for public and servants for the politicians.

Cherath Thursday, 22 December 2022 04:42 PM

He is spot on, on politicians and state employees. When I returned hastily from UK in 1999 I had to dart straight to Hospital Negambo.My younger brother had had a heart attack while bathing at sea and had died in hospital. Having travelled for 17 hrs, the DMO never even offered a seat for the entirety of my visit to his room for the discharge papers, while I stood sweating for 30 mnts. My passport has been thrown back at me by an Immigration skunk as well!

Kamalapala Arangoda Thursday, 22 December 2022 05:00 PM

You are perfectly correct! Sl people realised that long ago - A reason for recent youth upright - Aragalaya. Nothing has happened - same group came in to power; some even without any people mandate! This is Siri Langa!!

Kamalapala Arangoda Thursday, 22 December 2022 05:00 PM

You are perfectly correct! Sl people realised that long ago - A reason for recent youth upright - Aragalaya. Nothing has happened - same group came in to power; some even without any people mandate! This is Siri Langa!!

Kumara Thursday, 22 December 2022 05:16 PM

The international community knows Sri Lankan politicians are liars and public servants lazy. They experience this when they're on holiday in SL. So many state murders still unresolved happened during Rajapakas's time in power but if you ask them they would say they did not know anything.

ranjith Thursday, 22 December 2022 07:28 PM

Very true But this country is doomed That change is not happening, only one set of crooks replaced by another set at every election

Sisira Thursday, 22 December 2022 07:51 PM

90% of the comments are from one person. He is “ psycho “ D B S Jeyaraj. He is a converted Tamil Christian Whiteboot licking unemployed , paid by RAW, spends all the time commenting Anti Buddhist Anti Chinese comments while defending Colonial religion Christianity and India. He is facing war crime and underage sex molestation and even conspirator to the Colombo businessman murder in Sri Lanka.

M Fernando Thursday, 22 December 2022 08:10 PM

This Korean joker is insulting our culture and President and government. I dont understand how all these commentators can support such a thing He should be kicked out and replaced with a more respectful guy who understands our system

Disgusted Thursday, 22 December 2022 08:54 PM

While back I had to get a certification from a "Gramasewakaya" which I wrote a very polite requesting letter. The person who was helping me to handover the letter to the Gramasewakaya told me..." If you want to get the job done, you need to address him as if he's a "king"...."Obawahanse", "Obathuma" etc etc. I actually said "f" off and never got it done. These government officials are so damn corrupted and yes, behave like "idiots"....let's not insult kings!

Ein Bürger aus einer Demokratie Thursday, 22 December 2022 08:59 PM

Wenn man in Einer erfolgreichen Demokrat ie gelebt hat . Mit guter Schulbildung, finanzielle Unterstützung für Studenten und der armen Menschen. Fragt man sich sind das hier eigentlich Menschen. Ein Präsident der glücklich ist daß Millionen Bürger das Land verlassen um als Sklaven im Ausland zu arbeiten. Das ausgebildet junge Menschen siehe it Sektor flüchten. Schämt er sich eigentlich nicht vor der Welt. Da hilft auch keine alberne Reise zu Beerdigung einer alten Frau in England. Er wird sicher auch zur Krönung reisen. Nur wird keiner ihn zur Kenntnis nehmen. Jeder Politiker weiß woher er kommt und was er für ein Mensch ist Dafür sind in Demokratien die Medien da.

Bürger eines freien landes Thursday, 22 December 2022 09:10 PM

Die Kommentare entsprechen der Wirklichkeit. Nur was kann eine kleine gebildete Gruppe gegen ein große schweigende und politisch ungebildete Mehrheit erreichen. Ich war selbst als junger Mensch in der Politik tätig. Politik heißt zuhören, lernen diskutieren und nicht der Schlagstock , Polizei und Militär Ein Präsident von so einem erbärmlichen kleinen Land braucht keine Armee von 330000 vielleicht kann er nicht Schlafen.

Jegasuthan Thursday, 22 December 2022 09:46 PM

Including doctor, health officials and trade union.. almost everyone

GHT Thursday, 22 December 2022 10:08 PM

Mr. Cho Sung Lea has been quite right in his statement

ANNECUNT Friday, 23 December 2022 01:20 AM

You are wellcome to my country anytime sir we salute you

Punchi Friday, 23 December 2022 02:50 AM

@Shanta, your normal habitat was be under a rock. People from our country including neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and to a lesser extent from India, other Muslim countries, African countries are everyday trying to illegally get into civilised Christian countries in Europe, US, Canada and Australia. Shocking the number of privileged Muslim Malays also claiming political Asylum in Christian Australia. Generally 97% of Malaysian asylum seekers are rejected

Punchi Friday, 23 December 2022 02:58 AM

We want to build a new Singapore or Korea in our country with our values ie lazyness, corruption, human rights violations, disrespect, discourtesy for each other, privileges for the elevated sections of society, inability to keep appointments on time, lack of punctuality, alms receiving from overseas beggar culture. Can we have some more aid freebies please to every other country etc

Waco Friday, 23 December 2022 05:26 AM

That is why employees like to keep ever Department under the Government. Privatise most of the departments.

wsw Friday, 23 December 2022 05:36 AM

@Shantha, so you propose SL close down all Christian schools ? So how do you suggest we turn into an inclusive society with such short sighted views? Dont blame the private schools for the deterioration of the public school system. Perhaps disclipine can be nurtured at home before expecting others to assist society.

wsw Friday, 23 December 2022 05:41 AM

@M Fernando, the only clown I can envisage is just yourself. Why not take on board constructive criticism rather than look silly with such idiotic comments?

wsw Friday, 23 December 2022 05:45 AM

@Sisira, forget religion for once and just focus on the positives of what this gentlement is conveying. An ill disciplined society is the cradle of corruption and poverty. Sounds familiar ?

Sira Friday, 23 December 2022 06:56 AM

Our system is an inverse system. Politicians and the Public servants enjoy all the benefits. People of the country pays for that. vehicles, houses, foreign trips, holidays, pension, all the other benefits etc. people of the country gets nothing. Sri Lanka should be transformed into a production economy. our country is a consumers country, we do not produce anything except some rice and stuff. educated people are the most corrupt.

Mithrasena Horana Friday, 23 December 2022 07:15 AM

100 Agreed with you First impression in the airport custom officer never smile . They think they are the kings and all others treat like thieves. thinking pattern of the Srilanka people need to change . unless they change there is no future for Srilanka

Disgusted Friday, 23 December 2022 09:47 AM

Shantha and Ajantha, majority of the students in Christian schools are students whose parents are in the HAVE Class and possibly majority are definitely not of Christian faith, while the HAVE NOTS have no choice than to go to Public schools. Why bring Religion into the response of what was said by Mr Lea?. Spot on Mr Lea, but as the saying goes " the spotted wild life never change their spots". General elections is the only hope and the masses need to use their GOD given brains when they vote or the country will be back to square one.

Yokke Friday, 23 December 2022 12:10 PM

@punchi, well not really, Christianity is nothing to do with South Korea development, it is because of the economic liberalisation. I mean if you look at other Christian countries for example, Philippines, south American countries and east African countries are not so developed because most of these countries still practice leftist politics. South Korea, Japan, Singapore are highly capitalist and secular countries.

Yokke Friday, 23 December 2022 12:18 PM

I don't know why some people bring religion into this. South Korea developed because of the western model (capitalism and secularism), it's not because they convert from Buddhism to Christianity. Then we can ask why weren't Philippines, south America and east African countries is still underdeveloped? whether your country is theocracy or secular if you choose to go with leftist politics you will end up like Sri Lanka or Venezuela.

Yokke Friday, 23 December 2022 12:39 PM

@Shantha, it's nothing to do with religion or colonialism. Even if you go to western country and enrol in Christian school you can see how secular they are, they don't discriminate when you enrol in Christian schools. We need to modernized the education in every school whether it is Christian, Buddhist or Hindu.

Gayantha Hemachandra Friday, 23 December 2022 05:01 PM

Don’t expect much from them, Sir… This is a country of BYEEYAS….The BYEEYAS still can’t understand they have been robbed by their own politicians and they are still worshiping them while their families are suffering from hunger, lack of health care and basic decencies in human lives.

Chandrika Saturday, 24 December 2022 09:11 PM

Don’t give a red cent to their hands Sir. See that all reports, details and also a security should be released for any loans or gifts.

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State employees in SL behave like kings - Korean official

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