State sector geared for optimum output - President

*15,000 new recruits soon

*Stresses importance of work ethic

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

The government has strengthened and streamlined the state services to obtain the maximum benefit for the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

‘The state service therefore has to come forward with the true aim of serving the nation, fulfilling the aspirations of people, shedding its lethargic attitudes and work patterns which have hitherto drawn the ire of the public, the President said.

The President was addressing a ceremony, at Temple Trees yesterday to hand over appointment letters to 296 officers to the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) under the theme “Ensuring an excellent public service through sound national and regional administrative systems with competent human resources.”

Addressing the gathering, President Rajapaksa said 15,000 graduates will be recruited to the state service in the near future.

The District Secretaries would undertake the recruiting process. The government has also taken measures to hold placement examinations annually to fill the vacancies in the SLAS.

“State servants should not neglect the vital and pivotal role and responsibilities that come with their duty. Public servants are duty bound to serve the public since they are paid by the public,” he said.

Highlighting the value of state services, the President added that people, who come to public institutions to get their work done need more consideration and kind attention since these are helpless people with problems. “Therefore, the government servants should accord the utmost priority to serve the public, who are badly in need of kindness, care and attention”.

President Rajapaksa also recalled how at one time, on the advice of World Bank and IMF, steps were taken to bring down the number of public servants from 800,000 to 300,0000.

“During that time no vacancy was filled even though vacancies were available. But, this government took measures to fill these vacancies, even amidst the global economic crisis. As a result of this, the number of employees in the state sector had increased to 1.3 million,” the President said.

The President also said that in the past many public entities including several profit making ventures were privatized.

Of these privatised entities certain institutions were taken back by this people friendly government, such as, the SriLankan Airlines and Shell Gas company. Most of these entities, that were taken back have now become profit making ventures, President noted.

The President also stressed the need for government servants to fulfil public aspirations. “Fulfil your duty that you are bound to do first. Then, you, your village and your country will develop,” the President advised.