Government, says The Man, is about managing resources, including and especially intellectual capital. And politics is about managing government. Conversely, mismanaging said intellectual capital is about political and government failure!
Diogenes glances sideways at the banker buddy, and raises an eyebrow. But…
But me no buts, says The Man. This is something I’ve thought long and hard about, and I intend to devote my career as an MP to convincing my parliamentary colleagues that I’m right!
It’s the last Friday in January, and the three of them, plus famed astrologer Madam Moonbeam, have gathered to try and foretell what the future may hold for themselves and for the country.
Here are my thoughts, says The Man, so tell me if I’m wrong. Diogenes takes the proffered typescript and begins to read aloud:
‘Sri Lanka’s future will not be determined solely by the size of its budget, the scale of its infrastructure, or the generosity of its endowments.
‘It will be determined by how effectively the country mobilises and deploys its intellectual capital. In the modern state, knowledge, analytical capacity, and institutional competence are a critical resource.
‘Every function of government depends on sound fiscal management, which requires economic expertise and credible forecasting. Public-service delivery depends on professional administration and institutional memory.
‘This is especially acute in a majoritarian parliamentary democracy like ours. Electoral success concentrates power in a small leadership circle, often selected for populist political skills rather than governing competence.
‘So for Sri Lanka to secure long-term stability and growth, Parliament must recognise intellectual capital as a primary national asset that requires nurturing and investment!
‘And it is especially important that such a vital process starts in our schools and universities, to ensure that the next generation is best equipped to deal with future challenges, of which there will be many.’
Diogenes stops reading, and looks up. Hmm, he says, so far so good, and it’s what may need saying. But from the language I’m wondering how much of it is your actual thoughts, and how much is down to..?
The Man smiles, and winks. Let’s just say that as a savvy politician I took my own advice and made best use of a certain online resource to reinforce my argument. Read on!
But Diogenes hands the typescript to the banker buddy, and turns to Madam Moonbeam. So what do you think? Is this written in the stars, or somewhere more down to earth?
Well, she says, does the source of inspiration matter so long as it makes sense? Which this seems to do, so who am I to disagree?
Meanwhile, the banker buddy has finished reading, and gives the man a long, quizzical look. Not bad, he says, not bad at all, and I especially like this bit:
‘Intellectual capital takes decades to accumulate and can be lost quickly through politicisation, brain drain, or institutional hollowing. Once advisory capacity is weakened, governments resort to slogans, consultants, and improvisation, which looks like management but is not.’
However, he says, this whole thing sounds more like a thinly disguised presidential election speech than an appeal to parliamentary colleagues. Oh wait, please don’t tell me you’re seriously thinking about…
No no, says The Man, just some thoughts on the state of the nation for the Sunday Times. But if they also happen to chime with the mood of parliament and the country, who knows what the future may hold?