By Adolf
At a time when Sri Lanka faces serious domestic challenges, the decision by Education Minister Harini to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos raises important questions about priorities and public accountability. Harini has been the target of sustained criticism for mishandling the education curriculum and for policy decisions that have sparked heated debate. Instead of consolidating domestic reforms and restoring confidence, she is spending millions of taxpayer rupees on an international trip whose tangible benefits remain unclear.
Davos is often portrayed as a global hub for networking and investment. In reality, it is one of the most expensive international forums, with costs covering flights, accommodation, security, logistics, and delegation expenses. At a time when Sri Lanka is still recovering from fiscal and economic pressures, such expenditure demands scrutiny. The opposition is right to demand a full, itemized breakdown of the costs and expected returns.
The timing of this trip is particularly questionable. Davos works best when countries present a clear, cohesive narrative supported by stable domestic policy. Sri Lanka, however, is currently grappling with public dissatisfaction, policy uncertainty, and intense criticism over governance, particularly in the education sector. Sending a minister embroiled in controversy risks projecting confusion rather than competence to the global community. Investors and international stakeholders often monitor media and public debate as closely as official presentations. When the domestic story is inconsistent, international engagements are likely to produce limited results.
It is worth asking whether someone with broader credibility and expertise, such as Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, would have been a more effective representative. With extensive experience in development, policy, and international engagement, Dr. Wijesuriya could have presented Sri Lanka’s investment story with authority and technical depth, while keeping the focus on economic outcomes rather than domestic political controversies. A figure like him would signal seriousness, stability, and professionalism, qualities essential to attracting meaningful international interest.
The optics of the visit are also concerning. High-profile trips abroad, while domestic institutions remain underperforming or contested, risk creating a perception of disconnect between leadership and reality. In an era of heightened public scrutiny, credibility at home is the foundation for credibility abroad. International recognition follows domestic competence, not the other way around.
If the government insists on attending, it must clearly define the objectives, expected outcomes, and measures of success. Without this, the Davos trip risks being remembered not as a milestone for Sri Lanka, but as a costly distraction from more urgent domestic priorities.
In short, before investing millions in global forums, Sri Lanka should ensure that those representing the nation carry both credibility and expertise. At this moment, sending Harini to Davos seems a gamble with taxpayer money, while a figure like Dr. Hans Wijesuriya could have delivered real, measurable value to the country’s international image. Harini should remember that “Public funds are meant to serve the people, not to fund optics or prestige trips.”
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