Beyond the call of duty

by Maryanne PERERA

The image of public servants in general and Grama Niladaris in particular is usually not very impressive. Most of them normally do not fall into the genre of people who render a commendable service or maintain a pleasant office environment; dingy, poorly maintained premises with hardly any provisions for the public to even make themselves comfortable while they tarry, is the norm when it comes to Grama Niladari offices. However, there are exceptions to the rule. And one such example is the office of the Pamankada East Grama Niladari.

What captured my attention at first was the well maintained little office situated on an islet near Kirulapone along High Level Road. As a regular traveller I admired the premises that was a far cry from the Grama Niladari offices we are so accustomed to. What a contrast this was. With its well-manicured lawn, laced with palm plants and other foliage, neatly lined up compost bins and garden ornamentation, a polished wooden seat in the office verandah and a notice board carrying announcements and other information hanging on the wall, this neat little office, fenced off with green-mesh, was indeed like a breath of fresh air.

It was clearly evident that whoever held the office of Grama Niladari at this premise was not only an environment - friendly person, but also someone committed to the job. Here was a Grama Niladari who had certainly broken away from the norm, and could definitely prove to be an inspiration to others in the profession.

However, as only the outward appearance - a neatly kept office environment, was no indicator to the efficiency and dedication of the officer concerned, it was time to put a face to the name. And my assumptions about this Grama Niladari were proven right. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the office which was not only well-kept, but also people-friendly and warmly welcoming. Inspirational messages from great statesmen and personalities, and information regarding services carried out by a Grama Niladari, specifying times etc. and other notices in all three mediums adorned the walls. Neatly stacked filing cabinets, a television set,a first-aid box and the other facilities provided in the hall were all proof of her competence and commitment to the job.

The Grama Niladari, Mrs. Dayarangani Wijesinghe had her own little working area, equipped with a computer, filing cabinets, racks etc. at the rear end of the building. On seeing me, she greeted me warmly and promptly offered me a seat. And it didn’t take long for me to realise that behind this simple and cordial personality was an energetic and high-spirited woman, with the mettle to face any challenge that came her way.

Liking

Highly impressed by the symbols of her efficiency and dedication all around me, I enquired as to why she decided to become a Grama Niladari. “It was the attraction of having a Government job that first prompted me to sit for the examination conducted by the Ministry of Public Administration,” she replied frankly. But she was prompt to add that once she entered the profession about 17 years ago, she took a great liking to this job. “I admit that I did feel somewhat dim in spirit because now I too would be another nondescript Grama Niladari working in a gloomy office. But I was determined to change this image,” stressed Wijesinghe. And she has done so striving from day one to make her dream of becoming, ‘not just another Grama Niladari, but the best,’ a reality.

As, having a pleasant office environment had been one of her prime objectives, she had eyed the state-owned land where the office is presently situated, for a long time. Even after she succeeded in obtaining it to set up her office, there had been opposition from certain segments, requesting part of this land for parking. “I pointed out the benefits of having a little bit of nature amidst the concrete jungle to them, and they conceded,” she explained. Today one of the offices in the area, the National Savings Bank is actively involved in maintaining part of the garden area, says Wijesinghe.

As the Grama Niladari of Pamankada East she had been entrusted with the responsibility of serving over 2,500 families in the division. And being a diligent worker she has done everything within her capacity to ensure the smooth operation of work within her division. When it comes to work, she says she doesn’t go by the clock. Coming in sometimes long before 8.00 a.m. and working even beyond 6.00 p.m. (sometimes neglecting even her home front), she’s always accessible to the people of the area.

“I even get calls late in the night or in the early hours of the morning from those who have some urgent need,” she explained without even a hint of annoyance about it. Wijesingha certainly does solid work to serve the people in her division. In fact, this Grama Niladari figures prominently in many of the social welfare projects launched in the area. Be it under the Api Wawamu, Rata Nagamu programme, or the Gama Neguma programme, Wijesingha is actively involved in all of them, motivating people-participation in the form of home-gardening campaigns, shramadana campaigns and even road construction projects; she’s instrumental in developing Jayasinghe Road in the division.

Her commitment to serve her people does not end at the official level; she goes beyond her call of duty to look into issues connected with disputes, drug abuse and so on, and tries to offer solutions with the support of the police and others, by way of introducing peace committees and so on or by counselling the people concerned, getting them down to her office. Her services have, however, not gone unnoticed because she has received many accolades, both from officials and the people of her divisions. She’s the recipient of the Award for Productivity given by the Divisional Secretariat in 2008 having being placed first in the Colombo District and also the Award for being placed first in the Divisional Secretariat - Thimbirigasyaya in 2008. She has also been given an award by the Vanitha Saviya.

Perhaps, realising her capabilities in delivering the goods, the officials have entrusted her with the responsibility of overseeing work in a new division in 2006 - the Wellawatte South Grama Niladari division. “I have been shuttling between the two offices and somehow managed to carry out my duties to the best of my abilities,” she claims. She, however, admitted that the office at Thimbirigasyaya is not upto the mark and so she carries out most of the work from the Pamankada office. “I go to the Thimbirigasyaya office only on Wednesdays, but the people there are very co-operative and come here to meet me,” Wijesinghe said.

Trilingual

And why wouldn’t they when she has proved to them that she’s dedicated to serve them. As there are many Tamils in the Wellawatte division, she had even followed a Tamil Language Diploma course. She claims she’s now proficient in reading, though still somewhat weak in her speech.

Amidst many short comings and obstacles, shuttling between two offices, she renders an exceptional service to about 5,000 families in both divisions because of her dedication to the job and her love to serve humanity. She’s truly a remarkable public servant.

It is imperative that public servants of her calibre who give dignity and honour to the title ‘public servant’ should be recognised, appreciated and rewarded.

More strength to her future endeavours.