For international aid:

‘We won’t bow down’

ROHAN MATHES

President Mahinda Rajapaksa vouched that his Government would not yield or be subjected to any conditionality to obtain monetary assistance from international agencies.

Addressing a ceremony to present appointment letters to the new Accountants of the State sector at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday, the President said that some parties, without aligning with the Government to fight and resolve the crisis, are striving to obtain political leverage.

They are seeking to mislead the nation, utilising all means at their disposal and deprive the country of international aid. “We are absolutely clear. We will not pawn or sell our motherland to obtain any monetary aid from the IMF or any other international agency. Neither will we bow down to any conditions or transform our land to a colony.

We will nevertheless implement the people’s franchise and triumph over all the daunting challenges confronting us,” President Rajapaksa stressed.

He pointed out that despite the global economic meltdown and the related crises of mass unemployment and the like, in the developed countries, Sri Lanka will remain resilient, with a vibrant economy. It has the capability of counteracting all challenges and emerge as a victorious and prosperous nation.

“While being engaged in humanitarian operations, we have simultaneously confronted the four crises of terrorism, food security, oil and finance, which arose together at one given period. No other regime experienced such profound challenges. We perceived them with foresight and pro-actively confronted them,” he added.

He noted that his Government has resuscitated and re-juvenated an ailing and stagnant Government service of the past, by recruiting new staff and consolidating its workforce.

The country required skilled, committed and patriotic Government officers for sustained development. They should refrain from adhering too much to the diverse laws and regulations of the establishment codes etc. Instead, they should strive to work with accepted norms and a framework, opting for higher efficiency and productivity.

“Do not transform these laws and regulations, into fetters, which may deter progress. Also do not use them as tools to shun away from your assigned duties. You are entitled to have your own political perceptions and may not agree with the Mahinda Chintanaya.

“Nevertheless, you must be apolitical, dedicated, committed and patriotic in your service to the Government and your motherland,” President Rajapaksa reiterated.”

President Rajapaksa also reminded them about the gallant war heroes who have sacrificed their lives and limb to save our motherland and urged those who agitate for higher wages, to follow the example of the war heroes and refrain from such unwanted agitation, for the betterment of the nation.

“Understand the complexity of your profession and the dignity of the highly-esteemed Government sector. ”

“Work with diligence, commitment and patriotism for your motherland,” President Rajapaksa told the newly appointed accountants.