Foreign Service, Administrative Service to be combined ?

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged to explore the possibility of amalgamating the Sri Lanka Foreign Service and the Administrative Service so that the talents and synergies of both services could be used for the country’s benefit.

The President was responding to a proposal by a delegation from the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) that met him over the weekend. The delation members pointed out to the President that the Administrative Service could be strengthened by combining the two services and moreover, Sri Lanka’s image could be enhanced by tapping the expertise of veterans in the SLAS.

The President agreed that this was a practical and a timely proposal and he would discuss the issue soon with the Foreign Minister and Senior Foreign Service officials to reach a decision.

He appreciated the service rendered by administrative officers at rural level for the Government’s development drive aimed at uplifting villagers.

He stressed that SLAS officers should use the latest technology to serve the public and also become fluent in both vernacular languages in addition to English. They can thus serve as a bridge between different communities.

The President officials to set up a training centre for SLAS officers in an area such as Bandarawela to create a more conducive atmosphere for training.

He noted that certain outside persons have been recruited to positions in the SLAS on essential requirements but that would be changed in the future.