Sri Lanka President says challenges of development much greater than challenge of defeating terrorism

Tue, 2011-01-04

By Santhus Fernando in Colombo

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a gathering of public servants today (January 3, 2011) said that the challenges of developing the economy was much greater than the challenges faced when defeating terrorism. He said so addressing the staff of the Presidential Secretariat marking the first working day for Sri Lanka’s public sector today at old Parliamentary Complex in front of the Galle Face Green.
President Rajapaksa further stated that his staff was fortunate to be working at the Secretariat and expressed his hope that they will set an example for the rest of the public sector. He adding that the staff of the Presidential Secretariat was well prepared to overcome these challenges.
He advised the staff and the entire public sector at large to complete the day’s work without any delay and to be committed to serve the people, adding that they need to ask themselves whether they carried out their duties worthy of their salary.

Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga speaking on the occasion said that the Presidential Secretariat should live up to its position in the public sector and be efficient. He pointed out that out of the 365 days, 122 are holidays with an additional 45 days.
Thus, he advised his staff to make the best of the remaining working days to provide an excellent service to the public.
On the occasion, Weeratunge led his staff in taking the pledge of the public service for 2011 themed, ‘Commit towards serving the public with ‘Metta’ (Loving Kindness) through sheer dedication and utmost genuineness. War heroes who lost their lives were also remembered.
Work at the Presidential Secretariat commenced for the New Year today led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, while the Venerable Maha Sangha along with clergy of other religions invoked blessings on the President, public servants and the whole country.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and the staff of the Presidential Secretariat also participated. Picture shows Lalith Weeratunga presenting 'kiribath' (milk rice) to the President.