Introducing new public management techniques in public sectors of Sri Lanka: problems and challenges: a case of Nintavur Divisional Secretariat of Ampara District

Abstract

In the last quarter century there has been a significant shift within the field of Public Administration. Traditional values and norms have been undermined in number of ways. One aspect of this trend has been the emergence of a concept which has come to be known as the New Public Management (NPM). At the most basic level, this concept promotes the public sector use of private sector management techniques. Due to number of pressures, NPM has spread across the world influencing a wide range of states. However, there are reservations over the general applicability of NPM, especially in the development world. This paper outlines the rise of NPM in the context of Sri Lanka. It addresses the issues in introducing NPM techniques in Divisional Secretariats of Sri Lanka with reference to Nintavur Divisional Secretariat which has established in the coastal area of Ampara District. This study is critical one based on interpretative analysis which has used quantitative and qualitative data. The stated purpose is examined by studying both primary and secondary materials. The primary data has been collected through key informants, interviews and focus group discussion. The secondary data has been collected from books, official documents, reports and journals. The major finding of this study is that the above institution has been challenged in implementing the NPM techniques owing to various reasons including lack of staff capacity of institution, lack of NPM knowledge and etc.