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While corruption has been a major focus of governmental reforms, the problem of waste, including abandoned and incomplete projects, has not received as much attention despite its severe consequences both economic and otherwise.

In recent times wasteful expenditure has taken various forms with vanity projects being a notable example. High-profile but economically unbeneficial projects such as the Mattala International Airport and the Lotus Tower in Colombo exemplify how vast sums of money have been invested in ventures with little or no return. The Mattala Airport for instance, was constructed at a cost of $210 million, but has been largely underutilized since its completion in 2013.  

Additionally, waste manifests in projects that are left unfinished, often due to a lack of oversight and accountability. While from time to time there have been media reports of abandoned projects, the MTV News segment “What Happened in the Village” has telecast and thereby brought to public attention numerous projects abandoned halfway, costing millions in taxpayer money. These uncompleted projects—ranging from bridges and government buildings to roadworks—remain a testament to systemic failures within the government’s project management processes.

Another aspect of such systemic failures is the neglect of government-owned vehicles and assets, such as buses in the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). A media report in March 2024 revealed the existence of over 1,100 buses parked and unused in SLTB depots due to poor maintenance, some of which had been left untouched for over 15 years.

Additionally, government vehicles assigned to officials have been reported in a state of disrepair and lacking in proper maintenance, further exacerbating waste. The recent controversy relating to government vehicles that were parked at Galle Face following the new Government assuming office, further brought to the fore the failure to look after and maintain government vehicles.

Statements made by former Mayor of Colombo Rosy Senanayake and former State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage during the fall out of the controversy highlighted such failures.

Rosy Senanayake remarked “I was given eight used vehicles during my short tenure as a Presidential advisor, and all of them were breaking down from time to time”.

Similar sentiments were expressed by former State Minister Diana Gamage who claimed that the situation was similar at the Ministry of Tourism.

“Every vehicle I was given by the Tourism Ministry was of low maintenance. I nearly met with an accident while using one such unmaintained vehicle” she said.

The lack of accountability for these abandoned projects and neglected assets is a key issue. In many cases, no individual or institution is held responsible for the failure to complete projects or maintain government property. While Secretaries of ministries are designated as the chief accounting officers, this framework alone is insufficient in ensuring effective oversight. Without dedicated officers responsible for specific projects, there is a lack of accountability, leading to systemic inefficiencies.

There is a strong case for the appointment of a dedicated officer for every project who would be directly accountable for the progress and maintenance of individual projects or assets until its completion. These officers should be required to provide regular updates and made to face penalties for failing to meet their responsibilities. Such a system would ensure that issues are addressed promptly, and public resources are used effectively.

Some examples of incomplete or neglected projects include unfinished government buildings, such as the office of the Governor of the Wayamba Province and abandoned infrastructure projects like roadworks in rural areas. Another example in the heart of Colombo is the abandoning of a Water and Wastewater Management project to lay drainage pipes down Thalakotuwa Gardens in Polhengoda, Colombo 5 which is an eyesore as well as an inconvenience to those in the area. In some cases, the abandoned projects have created dangerous conditions for the public, such as roads that become impassable during bad weather. The lack of action on these fronts not only wastes public funds but also impedes the development of vital infrastructure that could benefit communities.

The “What Happened to the Village” segments on MTV News further highlight the human cost of these abandoned projects. Infrastructure projects meant to improve transportation in rural areas have been left unfinished, causing inconvenience and safety hazards for locals.

To address these persistent issues, it is suggested that stronger oversight mechanisms and accountability structures be put in place. The situation can be greatly improved if dedicated officers are appointed to be responsible for and to oversee each project or asset, in order to assure that there is accountability for any failures. Regular audits, performance evaluations, and reporting would help ensure that projects are completed on time and within the budget.

Information about the progress of public projects should be readily available to the public, enabling citizens to hold authorities accountable and provide feedback. Regular updates on the status of both completed and ongoing projects, especially in rural areas, would foster greater public engagement and pressure on the government to improve its project management practices.

Furthermore, it is important that an urgent island-wide census of abandoned projects be conducted to identify initiatives where substantial funds have already been invested. These projects should then be prioritized for completion to ensure that the money spent is not wasted and that the projects can benefit the public as originally intended.

It is also important to underscore the critical role that citizens, civil society organizations, and the media can play in holding the government accountable. Public pressure, through media campaigns and grassroots movements, can encourage authorities to address issues of mismanagement and inefficiency. By actively engaging in the process of demanding better governance, citizens can help push for systemic reforms that ensure public resources are used effectively and responsibly.

In conclusion, it must be noted that Sri Lanka’s development is significantly hindered by the persistent issue of abandoned projects and neglected assets. These problems reflect deep systemic failures in governance, including mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of accountability. To overcome these challenges, the government must implement stronger oversight mechanisms, establish dedicated officers for each project, and prioritize transparency and public involvement. By doing so, Sri Lanka can ensure that public resources are used more efficiently, and the country can make meaningful progress in its development. (javidyusuf@gmail.com)