Sri Lanka, Nov. 21 -- In a refreshing development, new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has pledged to build a truly, efficient, committed and professional public service based on technocracy and meritocracy. Addressing the nation after being sworn in, from the precincts of the historic Ruwanweliseya in Anuradhapura on Monday President Rajapaksa said skills and knowledge would be the foremost factors that will be considered in making various appointments in the country's administration.

President Rajapaksa could only be too aware of what is a very common perception among the general public that the country's public sector is, and has over the decades gained notoriety for its inefficiency, lethargy and callous disregard for duty that has resu...