Govt will not stint on worker welfare facilities

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will never cut down the welfare facilities of state sector employees and on the contrary all arrangements are in place to expand the facilities of government circuit bungalows, Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W. D. J. Senewiratne said.

The government is providing a host of welfare facilities to state sector employees without any cut down since they came to the power. Addressing a programme launch at the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry, Seneviratne said the government has paid attention to efficiency and productivity in the state service than any previous governments. In such a situation the employees should be able to work with a clear mind. The Public Administration Ministry has established circuit bungalows in several areas for their rest and recreation.

At present 22 circuit bungalows are functioning islandwide under the purview of the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry's Home Affairs Division and construction of four other circuit bungalows are nearing completion.

They are to be opened by the end of this year, the minister said. Minister Seneviratne distributed washing machines for these circuit bungalows and certificates to persons who had taken care of the circuit bungalows in appreciation of their service. Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry Secretary P. B. Abeykoon, Additional Secretary (Home Affairs) J. Dadallage and a number of ministry officials were present.