Reply to all letters within a week instructs Minister

Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda has instructed all Heads of Government Ministries and Departments to see that they reply within a week to all letters they receive from the general public relating to various issues and needs.

The Secretary to the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Dharmasena Dissanayake has instructed officials of his own Ministry to implement directives issued by the Minister giving an example of service by attending to letters they receive from the public within a week seeking government's relief.

In the event the relevant department finds it difficult to provide a solution or relief,steps should be taken at least to send an acknowledgment to the sender of the letter and inform him/her that the letter is receiving attention.

The Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry's Secretary said that they receive complaints from the public to say that they do not receive even a letter of acknowledgment from the Ministries or Departments.Hence for the Ministry will take stern action against the officers who fail to attend to the letters sent by the public and who failed to inform them the Ministry or the Department has received their letters and receiving attention., he added.

Ministry sources added that with the introduction of State Management Assistant Service, there is much development in the State departments giving due to attention to letters they receive from the public.