Public officials' support vital for development - minister

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government needs the assistance of all sectors in the country to carry out its development policies and programmes and public officials have a vital role to play in the country's journey towards development, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W.D.J.Senewiratne said.

Minister W.D.J.Senewiratne

In the current situation, public sector officials both individually and collectively have a big challenge to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the country more than at any other time in Sri Lanka's towards the realization of the country's development goals, he added.

The minister was addressing the fourth convocation ceremony of the School of Postgraduate Studies of Sri Lanka Institute of Administration Development (SLIDA) held at the BMICH, recently.

"As well qualified and experienced officials, your bounden duty is to ensure that our national developmental policies and programmes is carried out them in an efficient manner."

"Also remember to add value to your newly earned qualification by using the competencies gained from it innovatively and courageously in the delivery of qualify services to the public and the country."minister Seneviratne stated.

"All these degree holders have commenced their academic studies during the war period. But today they are passing out as Postgraduate Degree holders in an era of peace, harmony with the certainty of holding responsible positions in different organizations.

"This has become possible due to the great leadership and fearless decision of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the sacrifice by many men and women.

Therefore, it is the duty for all to lend their assistance in making Sri Lanka the "Wonder of Asia, he further said.

Ninety five students of School of Postgraduate Studies of SLIDA graduated in Master of Public Management (MPM) and Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management (PDPM).

SLIDA Governing Council chairman and Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary P.B. Abeykoon, Higher Education Ministry Secretary Dr.Sunil Jayantha Nawaratne, SLIDA Director M.Wijayaratne and a number of guests participated.