Dr Sarath Obeysekera  Chairman Advisory Board under EDB for development of Offshore and Marine sector

Digitisation and Benevolent Dictatorship: Controlling Bureaucracy and Corruption in the State Sector in Sri Lanka 

 Introduction 

 The intersection of digitisation and governance presents an opportunity to minimize bureaucracy and corruption, especially in the context of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project approvals. 

In many third-world countries, the concept of a benevolent dictatorship can play a crucial role in streamlining processes and ensuring accountability within the state sector.

 This framework aims to outline how digitisation, coupled with a decisive governance approach, can enhance project management, limit corrupt practices, and maintain efficiency. 

 1. Initial Project Approval Digital Communication Channels – Efficient Coordination: Establishing secure digital platforms for communication between investors and government agencies can expedite the project approval process. This can include dedicated portals for submission and tracking of proposals. – Transparency in Costs: Before finalizing project costs, digital tools can ensure transparency by allowing stakeholders to view and compare various cost estimates, reducing opportunities for pricing manipulation. 

 2. Monitoring State Organizations Centralized Oversight – Top-Level Decision Makers: Empowering a select group of high-ranking officials with oversight authority can help ensure that project approvals are free from favoritism and corruption. This group can be entrusted with hiring and firing decisions based on performance and accountability. – Performance Audits: Implementing regular audits using digital tools can keep track of project progress and adherence to budget, which acts as a deterrent against corrupt practices. 

 3. Execution and Bill Approvals Digitised Bill Approval Processes – Automated Workflows: Developing automated systems for bill approvals can minimize human intervention, thereby reducing the chances of underhand payments or nepotism. Digital signatures and blockchain technology can be used to enhance security and integrity. – Real-Time Monitoring: Digital dashboards can provide real-time updates on project expenditures, allowing for immediate scrutiny and identification of discrepancies. 

 4. Role of Benevolent Dictatorship Authoritative Decision-Making – Decisive Leadership: In scenarios where bureaucratic inertia can stall progress, a benevolent dictatorship can facilitate rapid decision-making. Leaders who can act swiftly to remove impediments will foster a more conducive environment for investment. – Fairness in Hiring and Promotions: Implementing clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for every manager ensures that promotions and job security are based on merit rather than personal connections, thereby creating a culture of accountability.

 Dr Sarath Obeysekera 

Chairman

Advisory Board under EDB for development of Offshore and Marine sector