Onus now on public servants - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Saturday that the trust placed in the Security Forces in liberating the country has now been placed in public servants in building the country. “Today we have taken the development challenge in which you are the leaders. The progress we achieve in this regard depends on your commitment. Like the Security Forces you also should commit yourselves to the country’s cause. It is your responsibility, take the same path,” the President said.

He noted the above, addressing a function at Temple Trees in which awards and certificates were presented to District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats that received ISO 9001/2008 International Standards certificates.

Three District Secretariats and 17 Divisional Secretariats received awards from the President for receiving the ISO 9001 certificates for their service. The President told the public servants gathered that people who come for their help with tears in their eyes should go back with a smile on their face. The President advised them that there should not be any delays in solving public issues and that every effort should be made to address grievances forthwith. The President noted that the Government always considers as its responsibility to acknowledge and appreciate efficient and productive public service.

He said that the award winners Saturday was an example and encouragement to the others to lift their standards to a higher pedestal. He said that the officials however should keep in mind that the most important acknowledgment above all was the people’s mandate and public servants should strive to achieve their respect with a honest, efficient and dedicated service.

Presidents Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Minister W D J Seneviratne also spoke on the occasion. The Hambantota, Kalutara and Colombo District Secretariats and the Balapitiya, Nagoda, Ambalangoda, Gangabada-Korale, Homagama, Kaduwela, Kolonnawa, Maharagama, Kesbewa, Padukka, Thimbirigasyaya, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dehiwela, Moratuwa, Seetawaka, Hanwella and Ratmalana Divisional Secretariats were the award winners.

Maha Sangha, Ministers Dinesh Gunawardena, Gamini Lokuge and Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Western Province Governor Alavi Moulana, Public Administration Deputy Minister Vijaya Dahanayake, Public Administration Ministry Secretary P B Abeykoon, parliamentarians and members of the Provincial Councils were present.