February 28, Colombo (LNW): In a significant move to bolster economic growth at the local level, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed District Secretaries to allocate Rs. 1,400 billion in recurrent expenditure to fund a series of productive projects over the next eight months.
This directive was issued during a high-level meeting with the District Secretaries, convened at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (27).
The President stressed that focusing on rural development is key to stimulating the national economy, with the potential to increase growth by as much as 3 per cent to 4 per cent.
He emphasised the importance of both enhancing existing economic opportunities and discovering new avenues for growth, particularly in rural areas.
“Expanding economic activity into the rural heartlands will be the driving force behind the country’s long-term prosperity,” he remarked during the meeting, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
A key topic of discussion at the gathering was the pension schemes outlined in the 2025 budget. The President and his officials explored the framework for these schemes, which aim to provide greater financial security for citizens in their retirement years.
Additionally, the President addressed concerns regarding the inefficiency often associated with the public sector. Acknowledging the negative perceptions surrounding government services, he outlined the need for urgent reform.
“We must work towards creating a more efficient, motivated, and satisfied workforce within the public service,” he stated. “Government employees must be empowered to deliver services effectively and with a sense of commitment.”
In line with this vision, President Dissanayake highlighted the discovery of 30,000 vacancies within the public service and confirmed plans to recruit for these positions in stages.
This recruitment initiative will focus on filling mid-level positions within the government to enhance administrative capacity and improve the functioning of public institutions.
The President also clarified that development extends beyond the physical construction of infrastructure such as buildings and bridges. “True development,” he stated, “also involves the social upliftment of communities. This responsibility lies squarely with the District Secretaries, who play a critical role in reshaping the fabric of our society.”
During the meeting, the District Secretaries presented challenges specific to their regions, prompting thorough discussions on potential solutions. Several proposals were put forward to address these localised issues, with a focus on improving access to services and fostering greater regional cooperation.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Chandana Abeyratne, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government; Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President; and Alok Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration.
