The Hon. Amila Prasad
Amila Prasad argued that digitalization of public administration cannot be effectively implemented while maintaining an oversized and redundant workforce. He stated that some job reductions are inevitable, as seen in other countries, but said this could be managed through higher salaries, pensions, retirement, and private sector opportunities. He urged that the impact be assessed after the digitalization process is completed and presented the reforms as overdue rather than politically motivated.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Minister, when the process is complete, you will see whether what I said is true. We cannot have digitalization alongside an oversized, redundant workforce. Let us assess when it concludes. I again state: digitalization will inevitably lead to some job reductions—it has happened in every country that digitized. But it is not a problem if managed well: basic salaries are up, pensions are higher, and those affected can also work in the private sector. I am not frightening anyone; I am speaking honestly.
¶ 02 Let us succeed with digitalization and then measure: how many excess positions remain, and do some move into retirement? I speak with goodwill, without stirring fear or seeking political gain. These are overdue reforms.
Provenance
- Source
- Hansard, Tuesday, 11 March 2025 ·No. 1743759139093629 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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/lk/speeches/19038
Cite as: The Hon. Amila Prasad. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 11 March 2025. No. 1743759139093629. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/19038