Public vs. Private Sector in Sri Lanka: A Personal Tale of Service and Accountability
Public vs. Private Sector in Sri Lanka: A Personal Tale of Service and Accountability Public vs. Private Sector in Sri Lanka: A Personal Tale of Service and Accountability In Sri Lanka, the gap between the private and public sectors is more than just structural — it's a difference in mindset, urgency, and responsibility. Last Thursday, I experienced this contrast firsthand through two striking encounters: one with a private tea company that went above and beyond, and the other with the public railway department, where safety concerns were met with silence. These incidents offer a revealing look into how responsiveness defines trust and efficiency in our systems. A Cup of Tea and a Quick Response My morning started with a dreadful cup of plain tea — a new brand we had decided to try from a local supermarket. It tasted strongly of dried coconut leaves, far from the soothing brew I’d hoped for. Frustrated, I called the customer serv...