Govt to strengthen state sector

Labour Relations and Manpower Minister Athauda Seneviratne, speaking at a function to grant 200 appointments as labour officers who earlier served as field officers for nearly 12 years at the Labour Department, said that it was not the intention of the Government to prune down the state sector but to strengthen this service to provide a better service to the public.

The Minister said Sri Lanka would, in future, be compelled to import manpower to meet the increasing need of job opportunities in the country and added that even the compulsory age of retirement too would be extended.

No country can maintain the production without the existence of a proper working force. The Government is conscious of this fact and the working class is also fully behind the Government.

We need this mutual trust for the development of the country. Everybody should be devoted to his duty to increase the national production.

The labour officers, we have appointed today, have a big role to play to solve the labour problems. Our duties should always ensure a better service to the hapless worker who comes before you for relief.

These State officers should also increase their knowledge, experience and efficiency throughout their career.

That will enhance their service to the public, the Minister said.

Ministry Secretary Mahinda Madihahewa, Additional Secretaries Padmini Ratnayake and D.L. Kumaradasa, Commissioner General of Labour Upali Wijeweera, Senior Assistant Secretaries Upali Athukorale and P.P. Jayasinghe were also present.