July 09, Colombo (LNW): The Prime Minister announced yesterday (8th) at the appointment ceremony of 800 Local Government (LG) employees in the North-Western Province (NWP), held at the Naththandiya City Hall.
The PM stated: “The living conditions of the working people vary, and you have consistently asked us to address issues to improve your rights. You have worked on a contract basis for a while and extended it continuously, leading to this proud day.
“This issue arose during discussions before the President’s first Budget. We worked to extend the contract period through the Governors. Several Cabinet papers were presented, leading to various debates and arguments. The Treasury faced difficulties in the past, but over the last two years, we have made progress. We respect the people for having trust in us during this challenging period. The President has also placed his trust in you. We did not allow the country to collapse, did not fire thousands from their jobs, and did not halt the country’s development. We ensured continuity of service in every possible way.”
“You are now permanent employees. LG is the lowest level of democratic public representatives in public service. You decide how to improve the lives of the people by managing the services. The President has decided to provide technological knowledge to every institution engaged in modernization. It will be a strength for you. Technology can be accessed in one office to determine if a task has been completed or not. As a country in Asia, this journey should be accelerated and strengthened. We must advance in the race for development.”
“Thousands of teaching appointments were given in the last month. Some criticized and urged us not to make these appointments. Your appointments were confirmed amid challenges. It became a strong government capable of providing these. Are you asking where the money is coming from? No. Appointments have been given twice this year. Free Healthcare and free Education exist for the future of our children. Children are the future of the country. LG has the constitutional right to focus on services that can empower children.
“This life is not only more confident but also transforms organizations into a more productive state. We will be able to take another leap in economic development based on these results. All countries face difficulties. Which country has an easy path? Which country has not recovered from such problems? Every country has overcome its challenges. We have established a stable regime. No matter who makes any calculations, we are steadily moving forward with our program in Parliament. Internationally, every country now trusts us, and we continue to receive financial support from various organizations.”
“Both the public and private sectors need to expand further. We are opening an economic door for everyone with the knowledge and creativity our children have learned.”
State Minister Ashoka Priyantha added, “When Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed PM, the first challenge was how to pay public servants’ salaries. You should consider that you are being permanently appointed as public officials during a time of significant crisis and inconvenience. Using his political acumen, he patiently supported the President in rebuilding this country. The Cabinet paper to give you these appointments was presented nine times.”
“I request you to take sick leave in accordance with the Constitution and enjoy your fundamental rights or any other rights you have. Don’t fall sick; the country is in a critical condition. At this time, you are given the appointment as public officials because the country needs your responsibility and role.”
NWP Governor Naseer Ahmed, State Minister Ashoka Priyantha, Arundika Fernando, MPs Chinthaka Mayadunne, Ali Shabri Rahim, Jagath Priyankara, Saman Priya Herath, Yadamini Gunawardena, Public Administration Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne, and Puttalam District Governor H. M. S. P. Herath were among those who participated in this event.
