Weak Governance Led to Regime Change in Sri Lanka – Indian National Security Advisor

03-Nov-2025

.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval stated that governance plays a crucial role in a nation’s structure, security, achievement of objectives, and fulfillment of public expectations, adding that weak administration was the cause of regime changes in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Speaking at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) event on November 1, he noted that an increasing challenge in governance is meeting the rising expectations of the public.

He observed that citizens today are more aware and aspirational, holding higher expectations of their governments, which must prioritize public satisfaction.

Citing weak administration as a potential cause of regime change, Doval referred to examples of non-institutional regime changes in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

“The strength of a nation lies in its governance. The government functions through institutions, and those who build and nurture these institutions are vital to nation-building,” he emphasized.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance model, Doval said, “India has undergone a paradigm shift from a particular type of administration and governance structure to a new global order.”

He further highlighted institutional reforms introduced to curb systemic corruption and indicated that more measures are likely.

“Whenever transformation occurs, clarity of vision is paramount. One must not be blinded by dust or storms, nor intimidated by noise or fear, nor subdued by hardship,” he said, citing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life as an example — both as a freedom fighter supporting Mahatma Gandhi and as the unifier of over 500 princely states after independence.

He also underscored the importance of security, a sense of safety, and gender equality and empowerment as key elements of good governance.

“In the modern world, empowering women is essential for good governance. Good laws, good structures, and good systems are important, but above all, their effective implementation matters most,” he added.

Doval stressed the necessity of using technology in administration to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and efficient public service delivery. “We must protect society from cyber threats and other dangers arising from technology,” he concluded.