During a progress review meeting of the Ministry of Energy (15), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the need to accelerate and properly structure projects aimed at achieving the energy sector’s goals over the next three years.
The President highlighted the energy sector’s critical role in Sri Lanka, akin to its importance in other countries. He noted that the Ministry of Energy is a key revenue generator, and with increased earnings, there have been societal discussions regarding potential irregularities.
Dissanayake reiterated that the public voted in this presidential election with clear expectations, and he remains committed to fulfilling that mandate, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
He stressed that the people have embraced a new political tradition due to dissatisfaction with the old political system, ongoing economic hardships, and poor public service performance. He pointed out that the public perceives corruption, fraud, and mismanagement as key contributors to the country’s economic downfall, and their mandate is to address these issues. The President assured that he will honor the trust placed in him by eradicating corruption and fraud across the public sector and called on public servants to fulfill their duties responsibly.
President Dissanayake further emphasized that public wealth must be safeguarded, much like religious property, and no one has the legitimate right to exploit it for fraud or corruption.
He underscored the importance of commitment from public servants in creating an efficient and effective public service that meets the needs of the citizens, affirming his readiness to take all necessary steps to achieve this.
The President stressed the need for public servants to act responsibly and be accountable in fulfilling the goals and expectations of the people’s mandate. He also assured that his leadership team is fully prepared to provide the necessary support.
Dissanayake affirmed that he will stand by all public actions taken in the interest of the people within the scope of official duties, but he will not hesitate to take action against any improper acts.
The meeting included a detailed review of ongoing energy sector projects and those planned for the coming years, with further discussions on achieving the sector’s targets over the next three years, and exploring both short-term and long-term relief measures for the public, according to the PMD.
Key participants included Professor Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy; Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board; Engineer K.G.R.F. Comester, General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board; and Janaka Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited, along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Energy.
— PMD
