Work honestly for country to prosper, PM tells govt servants

Government servants sustained by tax payers' money should fulfil their obligations towards the people. They are duty bound to work for the people's welfare, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a ceremony where M.K.B. Dissanayake assumed duties as Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry secretary on July 16. Prime Minister Jayaratne said activities of certain officers had brought disrepute to the whole country and the Buddha Sasana and the Religious Affairs Ministry.

“We must respect leadership. Nothing could be done without a good leadership. Some officers pay scant respect to higher authorities, thus neglecting their duty in the process,” he said.

“We should not leave room for the repetition of previous mistakes. Let us start afresh. If there is anybody who does not want to fall in line with us, disciplinary action will have to be taken against such persons,” Prime Minister Jayaratne said.

“The Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry is a very important ministry in the country. It not only deals with matters concerning religious affairs, but, also works hard towards creating a virtuous society. President Mahinda Rajapaksa's prime aim is to create a virtuous and just society. Therefore, we have an obligation and responsibility to help in this endeavour,” he said. “We must work as a team to achieve our goals. Our prime duty is to work with responsibility and dedication for the well- being of the people and the country. This will help in the country's forward march,” the Prime Minister said.

Kelaniya University Vice Chancellor Ven Dr Velimitiyawe Kusaladhamma Thera, Ven Akuretiye Nanda Thera, Ven Agrahera Kasyapa Thera, Deputy Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Minister M K D S Gunawardena, Private Secretary to the Prime Minister Anuradha Jayaratne, Private Secretary to the Buddha Sasana Minister Senani Jayaratne, Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs Chandraprema Gamage, Public Trustee Sarath Seneviratne and other religious dignitaries were present at this occasion.