'Eradication of terrorism, uniting the country'

The UNP group of Parliamentarians who crossed over to the Government were motivated by the dire need to eradicate terrorism and unite the country once again, said Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister, Karu Jayasuriya at the opening of the new building complex to house the Registrar General's Department recently.

The new five-storeyed building at Battaramulla was constructed at a cost of Rs. 174 million effecting an annual saving of Rs. 12 million paid as rent to a private building.

The Minister said, after the liberation of the Eastern Province, within a span of 180 days the civil administration was fully restored.

The flourishing situation in Mannar where the Tigers could impose their will at anytime is another example at Government efforts to restore normalcy in the country.

At present a 90 day crash programme is being executed to guarantee a new awakening to the district. With the concurrence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a new administrative machinery will be installed in Mannar. The Minister stressed that with the introduction of the citizens' charter, most of the allegations levelled at the Government have dwindled.

The Government's interest behind manning a big public service is to render a valuable service to the people.

Steps have already been taken to effect an attitudinal change in public servants in pursuit of a better service, he said.

Deputy Minister, Chandrasiri Gajadheera said the Government has pledged an improved public service working with transparency.

Officers in Divisional Secretariats where there are two computers are reported to be doing a good job.

Kaduwela PS Chairman H.B. Buddhadasa, Ministry Secretary D. Dassanayake and Registrar General E.M. Gunasekera also spoke.