Public service must shift to modern technology - Minister

Sandasen MARASINGHE and Chaminda PERERA

Public Management Reforms Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka yesterday instructed the National Administrative Reforms Council (NARC) to take measures to provide a speedy public service making the Mahinda Chintana Idiri Dekma a reality.

Minister Wickramanayaka addressing NARC members at its first meeting in his Ministry at Pelawatte, Battaramulla said technology should be used appropriately in this endeavor changing the public service from mere filling up numerous papers.

He said that public service should shift to modern technology without affecting the employment opportunities in the public sector.

The Minister said the people granted their mandate seeking a better public service and the Ministry has to provide it in accordance with the objectives of the NARC created under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s directive in 2007 and keeping also the Mahinda Chintana Idiri Dekma as a key guideline.

Minister Wickramanayaka instructing the NARC members, said the proposals should be called from the officers to expedite work in public service and the public should be involved actively in it as the public who were beneficiaries of the public service. The public could make their proposals to the Ministry Secretary.

Stating that there were many international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank ready to support to reform the public service, Minister Wickramanayaka emphasized that the process should not drag on long.

Referring to the importance of inviting proposals from the public the Minister said, the public should be aware of all the changes taking place in this field as they were the beneficiaries or being affected by the public service.